PHILIPPINE imports of dairy products are estimated at 2.7 metric tons of liquid milk equivalent (MT LME), up from 2.5 million in 2017 the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) said.

LEGISLATORS from tobacco-growing regions have asked the Senate to reconsider bills seeking to further increase tobacco taxes, citing the danger to farm livelihoods.

THE Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said it cut its estimate for output of palay, or unmilled rice, in the three months to September to 3.25 million metric tons (MMT), from the previous estimate of 3.32 MMT.

SPEAKER Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said a 1979 agreement between Malaysia and Thailand was a model for joint offshore energy exploration, holding it up as a possible way forward in the development of resources in the disputed South China Sea.

Following the issuance of RMC 50-2018, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) clarified that premiums on health care paid by an employer for all employees, whether holding rank and file or managerial/supervisory positions, under a group insurance plan shall be included as part of other benefits of these employees subject to the P90,000 exemption threshold.

AGRICULTURE Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol said Tuesday that grain retailers should start participating in the import market to make sales of the grain more direct, bringing down prices.

APPAREL exporters said layoffs in the industry could amount to 40% of the work force if investment incentives are rationalized under the Tax Reform for Attracting Better and Higher-Quality Opportunities (TRABAHO) bill.

SIX PROPOSED MEASURES seeking to upgrade working conditions in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry are being considered by the House Committee on Labor and Employment.

SECURITIES professionals welcomed the freer entry of investment professionals from major ASEAN markets, calling a recently-agreed arrangement a step forward in developing investor expertise.

A UNIT of Manila Water Co., Inc. has received approval to proceed with the construction of a water supply system in San Fabian, Pangasinan after it was granted the franchise by the municipality, the listed company said on Tuesday.

THE Department of Trade and Industry has released suggested retail prices (SRP) for items likely to be consumed for the traditional Christmas meal, including ham, cheese, canned fruit, pasta and sauces.

THE BUREAU of Customs (BoC) on Tuesday released the guidelines for the nationwide implementation of its web-based, no-contact goods assessment system.