Need for cybersecurity experts grows as PH goes more digital, says DICT
As major infrastructure projects continue to digitally connect the country’s islands, there is a growing need for more cybersecurity professionals amid rising external threats, according to the Department of Information and Communications Technology.
“Cybersecurity is not just an internal matter now. More importantly, yung hinaharap natin na mga gusot sa labas ng Pilipinas [the challenges we’re facing from outside the Philippines] — we need a lot of cybersecurity professionals that can defend the cybersecurity borders of the Philippines,” DICT Secretary Henry Rhoel R. Aguda said during the inaugural membership meeting of the Cybersecurity Council of the Philippines (CSCP) on Friday.
Since taking office in March, Mr. Aguda said about 60% of the agency’s focus has been on cybersecurity, particularly in the wake of the recent May midterm polls.
“Cyberwarfare is the new beachhead. We cannot underestimate the impact of hacking on our critical systems,” he said.
In April, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) said during a Senate hearing that it had uncovered 234 data breaches in “high-level” government agencies so far in 2025.
Cyber-related crimes in the country surged threefold in 2024, with reported complaints rising to 10,004 from 3,317 in the previous year. The escalating trend has resulted in total financial losses amounting to P198 million, highlighting growing concerns over cybersecurity threats.
In line with DICT’s push for digital resilience, several industry leaders, government offices, and advocates came together to formalize the CSCP.
Dr. Donald Patrick Lim, Chairman and President of the CSCP, said the newly formed organization stands out from other tech-driven cybersecurity groups by bringing together business leaders who can drive significant change.
“Our vision is a resilient and cyber-secure Philippines, where businesses, government, and individuals are safeguarded against cyber threats—fostering trust in the digital economy and ensuring a safer cyberspace for all,” Mr. Lim said during the event.
He added that CSCP’s objective is also to promote cybersecurity awareness and foster public-private collaboration for digital resilience.
Expanding Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity
The DICT, in collaboration with telecommunications companies and key industry stakeholders, has set a goal to triple the number of cell sites nationwide, increasing the current count of 30,000, according to Mr. Aguda.
Alongside this infrastructure expansion, cybersecurity initiatives are being prioritized to strengthen the country’s digital defenses.
Efforts are also underway to enhance the accessibility and affordability of U.S.-based satellite internet provider Starlink, which could position the Philippines as its second-largest market. – Edg Adrian A. Eva
MRSP: PHL mechatronics industry trails behind Industry 4.0
The Mechatronics and Robotics Society of the Philippines (MRSP) said that some manufacturing plants remain static despite government efforts to push for the fourth industrial revolution (4IR).
“We’re still not there yet,” MRSP Vice President for Mechatronics, James Bernard C. Itao, told BusinessWorld in an interview on Wednesday.
“Actually, there are still manufacturing plants, food manufacturing plants that are still in the second or third industrial revolution,” he added.
I4.0 or 4IR is the emergence of digital technologies and smart use of information and communications technology (ICT).
“Businesses and supply chains already use some of these advanced technologies,” software group Systems Applications and Products (SAP) said on its website. “But the full potential of Industry 4.0 comes to life when they’re used together.”
According to SAP, big data and artificial intelligence (AI) analytics, horizontal and vertical integration, cloud computing, augmented reality (AR), the industrial internet of things (IIOT), additive manufacturing or 3D printing, autonomous robots, simulation, and cybersecurity are the main technological pillars of the revolution.
A 2021 report by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DoST-PCIEERD) said that $3.7 trillion is the estimated value that will be created by Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies and processes for manufacturers and suppliers in 2025, only 30% of companies nationwide are using I4.0 solutions.
The DoST noted that the lack of knowledge about new technologies, economic and financial concerns, the lack of skilled workers, and other socio-cultural and organizational issues are some roadblocks that hinder the technological advancement of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Brain drain and job mismatch in the mechatronics industry are also contributing to the slow progress of the industrial revolution.
“Brain drain is really true. If they go abroad, they will get paid much higher,” Mr. Itao said.
“We have to train the right people and equip them with the right skills.”
Mr. Itao added that Filipino engineers and technicians are highly in demand abroad because of their good character, skills, and knowledge.
Preliminary data from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) revealed 1,439 new technicians and associate professionals, and 2,113 new plant and machine operators and assemblers were deployed overseas in January 2025.
“Many of us who are abroad, who are practitioners, can keep up with other (foreign) engineers,” Mr. Itao said. “Actually it’s one of the most sought-after nationalities abroad. They look forward to working with Filipinos.” – Almira Louise S. Martinez
Stepping Into Style with Wilcon Tiles
There’s more to tiles than function. Today’s new homeowners, who crave personality in their living spaces, are utilizing tiles as visual anchors. Tiles can turn bare walls and floors into design statements. Whatever areas you are planning to redesign, the right tile can shift the tone of a space instantly.
If you’re planning a home refresh, skip the plain and go for personality. These five Wilcon tile picks bring quiet luxury, subtle drama, and a chance to express your taste in everyday spaces.
Lift the mood in quiet corners
Think leafy greens, textured surfaces, and just the right amount of play. Tropical wall tiles bring a touch of nature indoors without overdoing it. Perfect for accent walls or powder room backdrops, these tiles work best where you want visual interest but still crave calm.
Layer them with wood finishes or light neutrals, and let the patterns breathe. They’re great in small spaces like entryways, bathroom walls or any place you want a soft pop that doesn’t compete with the rest of your home.
Savor spa vibes in your bathroom or kitchen
Tiles in natural tones never go out of style, but STN Balnea Natural Wall Tile offers more than the usual beige. Its earthy texture and light-washed look add a warm, lived-in feel that doesn’t look overly designed. Ideal for bathroom floors or kitchen walls, Balnea pairs well with warm metals, matte black fixtures, or wooden cabinetry. Use it when you want a spa-like feel without making the space feel too cold or bare. Balnea invites softness into functional areas.
Bright, clean, and beyond beige
This tile thrives in spaces that need a visual reset. Rocersa Maui White Floor Tile is calming. With its soft, white base and subtle finish, it catches natural light in all the right ways. It’s ideal for modern bathrooms, laundry rooms, or areas that allow you to build from a clean foundation.
Layer it with soft gray or sand tones, or break it up with dark grout for a more graphic look. MAUI WHITE gives you freedom to play around..
Add texture
When you want something elevated but not loud, Grespania Bierzon Pearl Floor Tile is a solid pick. This tile plays with subtle texture and soft pearl tones to create quiet depth. It works best in living rooms, hallways, or open-plan spaces where the floor needs to do more than just hold furniture.
Pair it with soft rugs, low-profile furniture, or brushed metal lighting and you’ve got a winning space. It brings polish without flash, and adds enough interest to anchor the room while giving you space to build a style that’s yours.
Get glossy and timeless
Saigres Viena Series Polished Wall Tiles are a sleek option for those who want their interiors to feel bright, modern, and uncluttered. Their glossy finish reflects light, making even the smallest spaces feel more open and airy. It can be used as a full wall treatment or a minimalist accent. These tiles offer a clean backdrop that highlights furniture and décor without stealing the spotlight.
Tiles can set the tone of any room, but getting the look right takes more than picking a pattern. At Wilcon, choosing tiles comes with added support, the tiles-related services that fine-tune the fit. These offerings make each step easier, smarter, and more tailored to your space.
Customize the clean cuts for your space
Wilcon offers tile cutting to help shoppers get precise dimensions for their space. Instead of adjusting your layout to fit standard sizes, this service lets you shape tiles to meet your exact design. It’s practical for creating clean edges, borders, or unique layouts that require custom cuts, especially for bathrooms, kitchens, or accent walls where symmetry matters.
Tile Studio
The Tile Studio brings your design ideas into focus. It’s a dedicated space in depot stores where customers can explore tile combinations, visualize layouts, and get guidance from in-house design consultants. The studio simplifies the decision-making process and allows you to see how colors and styles can come together in a real space.
Tile Calculator
The Tile Calculator gives you a smart way to estimate how many tiles you need. Instead of second-guessing or overbuying, you can input your room dimensions and instantly get an accurate tile count. It’s a quick, reliable tool accessible in Wilcon online store that helps you plan your budget and avoid waste. You can also ask for assistance from their attentive sales personnel.
Statement tiles build the story into the home you live in. For young homeowners who want their space to feel fresh, intentional, and a little bit personal, these five tiles are a smart starting point.
If you are a certified lean minimalist or love contrast, choosing quality European tiles gives you more than surface appeal. They hold up. They stay relevant. And most importantly, they make the quiet parts of your home; the walls, the floors, the corners, worth looking at twice.
For more information about Wilcon, visit www.wilcon.com.ph or follow their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or subscribe and connect with them on Viber Community, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Or you may contact Wilcon Depot Hotline at 88-WILCON (88-945266) for inquiries.
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OpenAI wins $200 million US defense contract
WASHINGTON – ChatGPT maker OpenAI was awarded a $200 million contract to provide the U.S. Defense Department with artificial intelligence tools, the Pentagon said in a statement on Monday.
“Under this award, the performer will develop prototype frontier AI capabilities to address critical national security challenges in both warfighting and enterprise domains,” the Pentagon said.
The work will be primarily performed in and near Washington with an estimated completion date of July 2026, the Pentagon said.
OpenAI said last week that its annualized revenue run rate surged to $10 billion as of June, positioning the company to hit its full-year target amid booming AI adoption.
OpenAI said in March it would raise up to $40 billion in a new funding round led by SoftBank Group9984.Tat a $300 billion valuation. OpenAI had 500 million weekly active users as of the end of March.
The White House’s Office of Management and Budget released new guidance in April directing federal agencies to ensure that the government and “the public benefit from a competitive American AI marketplace.”
The guidance had exempted national security and defense systems. – Reuters
Pentagon chief says Trump still aiming for deal with Iran
WASHINGTON – U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Fox News on Monday that President Donald Trump was still aiming for a nuclear deal with Iran even as hostilities have escalated between U.S. ally Israel and Tehran, while a White House aide said separately that Washington was not attacking Iran.
“Of course,” Mr. Hegseth said on Fox News’ “Jesse Watters Primetime” show when asked if Trump was still aiming for a nuclear deal with Iran.
“We are postured defensively in the region to be strong in pursuit of a peace deal. And we certainly hope that’s what happens here,” Mr. Hegseth said.
In a social media post on Monday, Mr. Trump said “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran,” citing what he said was the country’s rejection of a deal to curb nuclear weapons development.
Israel attacked Iran on Friday and since then the two Middle Eastern rivals have exchanged blows, with Iranian officials reporting over 220 deaths, mostly civilians, in five days while Israel said 24 civilians had been killed. Israel says it aims to eliminate what it calls threats posed by Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons and has pointed to its right to nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, including enrichment, as a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Israel, which is not a party to the NPT, is the only country in the Middle East widely believed to have nuclear weapons. Israel does not deny or confirm that.
The air war between Iran and Israel has raised further alarms in a region that had already been on edge since the start of Israel’s military assault on Gaza in October 2023.
Washington has thus far maintained it is not involved in Israeli attacks on Iran and warned Tehran not to attack U.S. interests or personnel in the region.
“We’re vigilant, we’re prepared, and we have messaged … consistently from the beginning that we’re in the region to defend our people and our assets,” Mr. Hegseth said on Fox News.
White House aide Alex Pfeiffer took to social media platform X to deny online claims that the U.S. was attacking Iran.
“This is not true. American forces are maintaining their defensive posture, and that has not changed,” Mr. Pfeiffer said. – Reuters
Trump urges Tehran evacuation as Iran-Israel conflict enters fifth day
TEL AVIV/DUBAI – Israel and Iran attacked each other for a fifth straight day on Tuesday, and U.S. President Donald Trump urged Iranians to evacuate Tehran, citing what he said was the country’s rejection of a deal to curb nuclear weapons development.
Mr. Trump was due to leave the Group of Seven summit in Canada later on Monday, a day early, due to the Middle East situation, the White House said. Fox News reported he would convene his National Security Council.
“Iran should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” Mr. Trump wrote on his Truth Social media platform.
French President Emmanuel Macron said Mr. Trump’s early departure from the G7 was positive, given the immediate objective was to get Israel and Iran to agree to a ceasefire that the U.S. had proposed.
“There is an offer that has been made, especially to have a ceasefire and to initiate broader discussions. And I think this is a very good thing,” Mr. Macron told reporters. “So now we need to see what the stakeholders will do.”
Iranian media reported explosions and heavy air defense fire in Tehran early on Tuesday. Air defenses were activated also in Natanz, home to key nuclear installations 320 km (200 miles) away, the Asriran news website reported.
A White House aide said it was not true that the U.S. was attacking Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Fox News that Mr. Trump was still aiming for a nuclear deal with Iran, while adding the U.S. would defend its assets in the region.
In Israel, air raid sirens wailed in Tel Aviv after midnight and an explosion was heard as Iranian missiles targeted the country again.
Iranian officials reported 224 deaths, mostly civilians, in five days, while Israel said 24 civilians had been killed. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said nearly 3,000 Israelis had been evacuated due to damage from Iranian strikes.
Sources told Reuters that Tehran had asked Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to urge Trump to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to an immediate ceasefire. In return, Iran would show flexibility in nuclear negotiations, according to two Iranian and three regional sources.
“If President Trump is genuine about diplomacy and interested in stopping this war, next steps are consequential,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on X. “Israel must halt its aggression, and absent a total cessation of military aggression against us, our responses will continue.”
Mr. Netanyahu told reporters on Monday that Israel was committed to eliminating threats posed by Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, adding, “If this can be achieved in another way—fine. But we gave it a 60-day chance.”
Speaking to Reuters on Friday, the first day of Israel’s assault, Trump said he had given the Iranians 60 days to come to an agreement to halt uranium enrichment and that the time had expired with no deal. Iran says its nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes.
Oil prices rallied more than 2% early in Asia on Tuesday after Mr. Trump’s evacuation warning, reversing losses on Monday amid reports that Iran was seeking an end to hostilities.
CHINESE URGED TO LEAVE ISRAEL
With security concerns growing and Israeli airspace closed because of the war, the Chinese embassy in Israel urged its citizens to leave the country via land border crossings as soon as possible.
The Iran-Israel air war – the biggest battle ever between the two longtime enemies – escalated on Monday with Israel targeting Iran’s state broadcaster and uranium enrichment facilities.
Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, told the BBC that the Natanz plant sustained extensive damage, likely destroying 15,000 centrifuges, while Iran’s Fordow plant remained largely intact.
Talks between the United States and Iran, hosted by Oman, had been scheduled for June 15 but were scrapped, with Tehran saying it could not negotiate while under attack.
Israel launched its air war with a surprise attack that has killed nearly the entire top echelon of Iran’s military commanders and its leading nuclear scientists. It says it now has control of Iranian airspace and intends to escalate the campaign in the coming days.
Trump has consistently said the Israeli assault could end quickly if Iran agreed to U.S. demands that it accept strict curbs on its nuclear program.
“As I’ve been saying, I think a deal will be signed, or something will happen, but a deal will be signed, and I think Iran is foolish not to sign,” Trump told reporters on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in Canada on Monday.
A U.S. official said Trump would not sign a draft statement from G7 leaders calling for a de-escalation of the conflict. The draft statement says Iran must never have a nuclear weapon and that Israel has the right to defend itself. – Reuters
Australia’s Albanese confident on AUKUS after British leader says it will proceed
SYDNEY – Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed comments by his British counterpart at the G7 that Britain and the United States will proceed with the AUKUS nuclear submarine treaty with Australia, despite a Pentagon review.
“We’re proceeding with that, it’s a really important deal to both of us,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told reporters when asked about AUKUS, standing next to U.S. President Donald Trump after they met on Monday to discuss trade and security.
“I think the president is doing a review, we did a review when we came into government so that makes good sense to me,” he added.
Mr. Albanese had been scheduled to hold his first meeting with Mr. Trump the next day to press support for AUKUS, however the White House announced Mr. Trump would leave the G7 early.
Mr. Albanese later told reporters that AUKUS held “great advantages” for the three partners.
“That is why we support AUKUS and that is why I am confident that all three nations will continue to provide support for it,” he told reporters in Calgary.
In 2023, the United States, Australia and Britain unveiled details of the plan to provide Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines from the early 2030s to counter China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific.
A Pentagon official said last week the administration was reviewing AUKUS to ensure it was “aligned with the President’s America First agenda”. – Reuters
Trump to leave G7 summit early due to Middle East situation
KANANASKIS, Alberta – U.S. President Donald Trump is leaving the Group of Seven summit in Canada a day early due to the situation in the Middle East, the White House said on Monday.
French President Emmanuel Macron said Mr. Trump had made an offer for a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.
Mr. Trump had earlier urged everyone to immediately evacuate Tehran, and reiterated that Iran should have signed a nuclear deal with the United States.
“Much was accomplished, but because of what’s going on in the Middle East, President Trump will be leaving tonight after dinner with Heads of State,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on X.
The G7 has struggled to find unity over conflicts in Ukraine and between Israel and Iran as Trump overtly expressed support for Russian President Vladimir Putin and has imposed tariffs on many of the allies present.
A U.S. official said Mr. Trump would not sign a draft statement calling for de-escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict.
Still, Mr. Macron said Mr. Trump’s departure was positive, given the objective to get a ceasefire.
“There is indeed an offer to meet and exchange. An offer was made especially to get a ceasefire and to then kick-start broader discussions,” Mr. Macron told reporters.
“We have to see now whether the sides will follow.”
G7 leaders from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the U.S., along with the European Union, had convened in the resort area of Kananaskis in the Canadian Rockies until Tuesday.
Speaking alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney earlier, Mr. Trump said the former Group of Eight had been wrong to kick out Russia in 2014 after it annexed Crimea.
“This was a big mistake,” Mr. Trump said, adding he believed Russia would not have invaded Ukraine in 2022 had Putin not been ejected.
“Putin speaks to me. He doesn’t speak to anybody else … he’s not a happy person about it. I can tell you that he basically doesn’t even speak to the people that threw him out, and I agree with him,” Mr. Trump said.
Though Mr. Trump stopped short of saying Russia should be reinstated in the group, his comments had raised doubts about how much Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy can achieve when he is scheduled to meet the leaders on Tuesday.
“It was a rough start,” said Josh Lipsky, a former senior IMF official who now chairs the international economics department at the Atlantic Council.
European nations had wanted to persuade Mr. Trump to back tougher sanctions on Moscow.
A spokesperson for the Ukraine embassy in Canada said Mr. Zelenskiy was still planning to come to Canada.
Canada has abandoned any effort to adopt a comprehensive communique to avert a repeat of the 2018 summit in Quebec, when Mr. Trump instructed the U.S. delegation to withdraw its approval of the final communique after leaving.
Leaders have prepared several draft documents seen by Reuters, including on migration, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. None of them have been approved by the United States, however, according to sources briefed on the documents.
Without Mr. Trump, it is unclear if there will be any declarations, a European diplomat said.
Mr. Carney invited non-G7 members Mexico, India, Australia, South Africa, South Korea and Brazil, as well as Ukraine.
TARIFFS
Mr. Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday they had finalized a trade deal reached between the two allies last month, making Britain the first country to agree to a deal for lower U.S. tariffs.
Mr. Carney said in a statement he had agreed with Trump that their two nations should try to wrap up a new economic and security deal within 30 days.
Mr. Trump said a new economic deal with host Canada was possible but stressed tariffs had to play a role, a position the Canadian government strongly opposes.
“Our position is that we should have no tariffs on Canadian exports to the United States,” said Kirsten Hillman, Canada’s ambassador to Washington. – Reuters
US and UK announce a trade deal, but steel imports unresolved
KANANASKIS, Alberta – U.S. President Donald Trump signed an agreement on Monday formally lowering some tariffs on imports from Britain as the countries continue working toward a formal trade deal.
The deal, announced by Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada, reaffirmed quotas and tariff rates on British automobiles and eliminated tariffs on the U.K. aerospace sector, but the issue of steel and aluminum remains unresolved.
Other critical industries, such as pharmaceuticals, were not mentioned.
Mr. Trump said the relationship with Britain was “fantastic,” as he waved, and then briefly dropped, a document that he said he had just signed.
“We signed it and it’s done,” he said, incorrectly calling it a trade agreement with the European Union, before making clear the deal was with Britain.
Mr. Starmer called it “a very good day for both of our countries, a real sign of strength”
The U.S. intends to impose a quota on steel and aluminum imports from the United Kingdom that would be exempt from 25% tariffs, but it is conditioned upon Britain’s demonstrating security on steel supply chains and production facilities, according to an executive order released by the White House.
The quota level will be set by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the White House said.
Britain had avoided tariffs of up to 50% on steel and aluminum that the U.S. imposed on other countries earlier this month, but it could have faced elevated tariffs starting July 9 unless a deal to implement the tariff reduction was reached.
The two leaders reaffirmed a plan to give British carmakers an annual quota of 100,000 cars that can be sent to the United States at a 10% tariff rate, less than the 25% rates other countries face.
The plan will go in effect seven days after it is published in the Federal Register, the White House said.
The agreement also eliminates tariffs on the UK aerospace industry, including parts and planes, according to the executive order.
Britain was the first country to agree on a deal for lower tariffs from Trump, with the U.S. reducing tariffs on imports of UK cars, aluminum and steel, and Britain agreeing to lower tariffs on U.S. beef and ethanol.
But implementation of the deal has been delayed while details were being hammered out and some issues remain outstanding.
Britain called the deal a huge win for its aerospace and auto sectors, noting the UK was the only country to have secured such a deal with Washington.
“Bringing trade deals into force can take several months, yet we are delivering on the first set of agreements in a matter of weeks. And we won’t stop there,” UK Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said in a statement.
Reynolds said the two sides agreed to reciprocal access to 13,000 metric tons of beef, while making clear that U.S. imports would need to meet tough UK food safety standards.
He said both countries remain focused on securing “significantly preferential outcomes” for the UK pharmaceutical sector, and work would continue to protect industry from any further tariffs imposed as part of Section 232 investigations underway by the U.S. Commerce Department.
Asked if the deal protects the United Kingdom from future tariff threats, Mr. Trump responded: “The UK is very well protected. You know why? Because I like them. That’s their ultimate protection.” – Reuters
Cash remittances jump 4% in April
MONEY SENT HOME by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) jumped by an annual 4% in April, the fastest pace in 28 months, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed.
Cash remittances from migrant Filipinos coursed through banks rose by 4% to $2.66 billion in April from $2.56 billion in the same month a year ago.
The 4% annual growth in April was the fastest since the 5.8% seen in December 2022.
However, the amount of cash remittances in April was the lowest in nearly a year or since May 2024 when remittances stood at $2.58 billion.
Month on month, remittances declined by 5.1% from $2.81 billion in March.
In April, cash remittances from land-based workers rose by 4% to $2.08 billion from $2 billion in the same month last year.
Sea-based migrant workers sent home $580 million, 3.8% up from the $560 million a year ago.
Reinielle Matt M. Erece, an economist at Oikonomia Advisory and Research, Inc. said the cash remittances posted a “strong” growth mostly due to “seasonal factors, as this month usually posts one of the fastest during the summer months.”
“The year-on-year increase shows underlying strength in remittance flows, driven by stable overseas employment, particularly in the US, Middle East, and parts of Asia,” John Paolo R. Rivera, a senior research fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies said in a Viber message.
Personal remittances, which include inflows in kind, rose by 4.1% to $2.97 billion in April from $2.86 billion a year ago.
Personal remittances from workers with contracts of a year or more increased by 3.9% to $2.25 billion, while those with contracts of less than a year jumped by 4.1% to $650 million.
FOUR MONTHS
In the first four months of 2025, cash remittances went up by 3% to $11.11 billion annually from $10.78 billion a year ago.
Cash remittances sent by land-based workers jumped by 3.4% to $8.82 billion as of end-April, while sea-based workers’ remittances went up 1.7% to $2.29 billion.
“Higher growth of remittances from the United States, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) drove the overall increase in remittances during January-April 2025,” the BSP said.
The US remained the top source of remittances in April, accounting for 40.4% of the total.
This was followed by Singapore (7.3%), Saudi Arabia (6.3%), Japan (5%), the United Kingdom (4.5%), the UAE (4.5%), Canada (3.2%), Qatar (2.9%), Taiwan (2.7%) and Hong Kong (2.7%).
Personal remittances increased by 3% to $12.37 billion during the January-to-April period, from $12.01 billion in the same period last year.
“We may continue to see stronger remittance inflows from OFWs due to the relative strength of the peso. They may be prompted to send more to maintain the same peso value they used to send,” Mr. Erece said.
The peso closed at P55.84 a dollar at the end of April, appreciating by P1.37 from the P57.21 finish at end-March.
Mr. Rivera said remittance growth is likely to remain steady on the back of demand for Filipino workers overseas, particularly in the healthcare, logistics, and domestic services.
“Global uncertainties such as inflation in host countries, geopolitical tensions, and policy shifts like taxes on remittances in major markets (e.g., the US) are downside risks to monitor,” Mr. Rivera said.
In the US, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act proposes a 3.5% tax on remittances sent abroad by foreign workers, including green card holders and temporary visa workers.
This is expected to have serious implications for countries that heavily rely on remittances, such as the Philippines, India, Mexico and China.
The BSP forecasts 2.8% growth in cash remittances to an estimated $35.5 billion this year.
Next year, cash remittances are projected to grow by 3% to $36.5 billion. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante
Philippines inches up to 51st spot in global competitiveness index
By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Reporter
THE PHILIPPINES improved one spot in a global competitiveness index, but remained a laggard in the Asia-Pacific region, according to the Asian Institute of Management Rizalino S. Navarro Policy Center for Competitiveness (AIM RSN PCC).
Citing Switzerland-based International Institute for Management Development’s (IMD) 2025 World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY), the center said that the Philippines ranked 51st out of 69 economies.
AIM RSN PCC is the IMD’s partner in the Philippines.
Despite the improvement in ranking, the Philippines still lagged its neighbors, ranking 13th out of 14 Asia-Pacific economies in the index.
Singapore ranked second in the global index, while Hong Kong ranked third and Taiwan placed sixth.
The Philippines was also behind Malaysia (23rd), Thailand (30th) and Indonesia (40th).
The WCY, which started in 1989, ranks economies across four competitiveness factors: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure.
For this year, the report covered 69 economies, up from 67 last year, following the addition of Kenya, Namibia, and Oman.
Switzerland placed first in the overall ranking.
In a statement, AIM RSN PCC said that the Philippines’ results this year are “a mixed bag,” as improvements were seen in two out of the four pillars.
In particular, the country’s rank in the economic performance pillar improved to 33rd in this year’s report, up seven spots from 40th place last year, after only seeing a marginal drop in the international investment sub-factor.
“The rest of the sub-factors saw improvements to their rankings, with the prices sub-factor improving the most by climbing nine places from 48th in 2024 to 39th in 2025,” AIM RSN PCC said.
“The domestic economy indicator improved from 27th in 2024 to 22nd in 2025, the international trade indicator improved from 58th in 2024 to 55th in 2025, and the employment indicator rose from 10th in 2024 to 7th in 2025,” it added.
On the other hand, the Philippines moved up one spot to 60th in the infrastructure pillar, which has been a “perennial challenge” for the country in previous years.
“The basic infrastructure sub-factor (60th spot from 62nd) and technological infrastructure sub-factor (43rd spot from 55th) saw improvements to their respective rankings,” AIM RSN PCC said.
However, the center said that declines were seen in the scientific infrastructure sub-factor (62nd spot from 60th) and the health and environment sub-factor (61st spot from 60th).
Meanwhile, the country slipped three notches in the business efficiency pillar to 46th in 2025 and dipped two spots in the government efficiency pillar to 51st.
The AIM center said that the results of the report reflect the challenges the Philippines continues to face, such as “rekindling the country’s economic dynamism and growth trajectory, addressing inflation expectations, promoting investments in inclusive technology, improving education and healthcare, and adapting to shifting global economic and geopolitical dynamics.”
Sought for comment, Reyes Tacandong & Co. Senior Adviser Jonathan L. Ravelas said that the slight rise in the country’s competitiveness ranking is a “positive signal.”
However, he noted that the Philippines falling behind regional peers shows a need for deeper reforms.
“Prioritizing digital infrastructure, streamlining bureaucracy, and investing in talent development can help us close the gap and compete more effectively,” Mr. Ravelas said in a Viber message.
Meanwhile, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said that the net improvement in the ranking “may be partly attributed to the easing inflation trend that justified local policy rate cuts.”
He also sees the country’s economic growth, which is among the fastest in Asia, may drive competitiveness.
To further improve the ranking, Mr. Ricafort said the country needs to “further develop infrastructure, boost productivity in agriculture and manufacturing industries, bring down electricity costs, and further ease and reduce the cost of doing business.”
DoF renews push for general tax amnesty bill
By Aubrey Rose A. Inosante, Reporter
THE Department of Finance (DoF) will renew its push for the passage of a general tax amnesty (GTA) bill in the incoming 20th Congress.
Finance Undersecretary Maria Luwalhati C. Dorotan-Tiuseco said the department is interested in pushing for a new general tax amnesty bill after it failed to secure Congress’ approval.
“[The bill] will address the issues on the veto,” Ms. Tiuseco said in a Viber message on June 13.
In 2019, then-President Rodrigo R. Duterte vetoed the provisions on the general tax amnesty under the Republic Act (RA) No. 11213 but retained the provisions for estate tax amnesty.
The tax amnesty program looked to impose an amnesty charge equivalent to a portion of the taxpayers’ outstanding unpaid taxes in exchange for immunity from civil, criminal, and administrative penalties.
For his part, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr. said the discussions on a general tax amnesty are in the early stages.
“It’s not like it’s being seriously discussed to the point of saying it will happen this year. But it’s being talked about — whether it will happen or not — it’s still kind of in a very, very early stage of discussion,” he said.
In his veto message at that time, Mr. Duterte urged Congress to pass another bill on the general tax amnesty that includes the “lifting of bank secrecy for fraud cases, the inclusion of automatic exchange of information, and safeguard to ensure that asset or net worth declarations are truthful.”
“[Mr. Duterte] noted that without the lifting of the Bank Secrecy Law, the GTA may be abused by taxpayers declaring untruthful asset or net worth without the BIR being able to double check the taxpayers’ representations,” Eleanor L. Roque, a tax principal at P&A Grant Thornton, said in an e-mail to BusinessWorld.
The Bank Secrecy Law or the Republic Act No. 1405 protects the confidentiality of bank deposits in the Philippines. This prevents disclosure or inquiry of deposits in banking institutions.
Ms. Roque said a general tax amnesty could generate much-needed revenue for the government.
“Generally, a GTA is crucial when major tax laws are introduced to give the taxpayers a clean slate. That was the reason why RA 11213 was intended to be a companion law to the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law,” she said.
Republic Act No. 10963 or TRAIN, which took effect in 2018, cut personal income tax while increasing the rates on some goods and services.
“Considering the BIR’s intensified efforts in tax audits, some taxpayers may wish to avail the GTA to close ongoing assessments. However, the take-up of the GTA may depend on whether the amnesty amount is reasonable compared to the taxpayers’ deficiency tax exposure and cost of litigation,” Ms. Roque said.
The tax expert also said that the DoF should ensure the ease of availing the general tax amnesty in terms of documentary requirements and reasonable amount.
“It should also provide for a definite time period for the BIR to issue the confirmation of entitlement for the benefits of availing the tax amnesty,” she said.