NEDA ICC-CabCom approves increase in North-South Commuter Railway project cost
THE NATIONAL Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) raised the project cost for the long-haul commuter line of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) by nearly double to buy more trains and build elevated tracks.
IPPCA opposes increase in diesel biofuel component
THE Independent Philippine Petroleum Companies Association (IPPCA) opposed the plan of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to increase the biofuel component in diesel to B5 from B2.
IFAD to invest $63.5 million in agricultural enterprises
THE International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) will invest $63.5 million to support agriculture-based micro and small enterprises in 20 provinces across Eastern Visayas and Mindanao.
Zubiri backs action on ‘non-inflationary’ tax reform
SENATE Majority Leader Juan Miguel F. Zubiri said the Department of Finance (DoF) needs to focus on tax measures that will have minimal inflationary impact.
PHL, Japan sign MRT-3 rehab loan agreement
THE PHILIPPINES and Japan on Thursday signed a 38-billion yen loan agreement to upgrade and rehabilitate the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3).
BoC eases ID rules for balikbayan box tax-free privilege
THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) has eased the ID requirements for availing of the duty and tax-free privilege for balikbayan boxes valued at up to P150,000.
Payments, martial law hampering Mindanao outsourcing growth
DAVAO CITY -- The growth of technology start-ups and the overall outsourcing industry in Davao is being hampered by payment system problems and the martial law in force in the Philippines’ southern islands.
PCA to seek implementation of 5% coconut content in diesel
AGRICULTURE Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol said that the board of governors of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) will recommend to President Rodrigo R. Duterte to fully implement a law increasing the coconut content of diesel to 5%.
PHL growth seen on track, but global, political risks hover
THE Philippines appears on track to sustain its growth path, although an uncertain global landscape coupled with domestic political risk could dampen prospects, an economist said.
Lloyds Energy declares interest in PNOC LNG tie-up
LLOYDS ENERGY GROUP LLC said it submitted a letter of interest to the Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) to join the selection process for PNOC’s joint venture partner to develop an liquefied natural gas (LNG) hub in Batangas Bay.
NFA rice auction attracts 13 potential international bidders
THIRTEEN international companies participated in the pre-bid conference of the National Food Authority (NFA) on Wednesday for an import order covering 500,000 metric tons (MT) of long-grain white rice of the 25% broken grade.
Fuel tax hike suspension stands, review possible next year — DoF
THE SUSPENSION of additional increases in fuel excise tax next year will continue even amid signs that international oil prices will not breach $80 per barrel in the last quarter of the year, Finance Assistant Secretary Antonio Joselito G. Lambino II said.
