THE PESO is seen to strengthen against the dollar this week following the release of weak US data before the weekend as well as the anticipated dovish signals from the US Federal Reserve.

THE Philippine Maize Federation (PhilMaize) said the abandonment of the policy goal of rice-self-sufficiency does not reflect reality, with Filipinos still favoring rice over other staple carbohydrates.

THE SECURITIES and Exchange Commission (SEC) said there is strong demand for green bonds domestic firms can take advantage of amid the infrastructure push of the government and following relaxed rules on bank bond issuance.

LOCAL SHARES may firm up in the days ahead following the weakness that prevailed last week, as investors await the release of 2018 financial results.

THE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) said divestment could be a remedy for Universal Robina Corp.’s (URC) rejected acquisition of Roxas Holdings, Inc.’s (RHI) Central Azucarera Don Pedro, Inc. (CADPI), based in Nasugbu, Batangas.

THE Senate passed on second reading a bill strengthening the powers and functions of the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) with its proposed fiscal incentives removed.

THE Senate has adopted the House version of the bill calling for the creation of social welfare attachés in countries with high concentrations of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

THE Otso Diretso senatorial slate of the opposition Liberal Party (LP) should bank on their strengths and bailiwicks to increase their chances in the 2019 midterm elections, analysts said Sunday.

ANALYSTS SOUGHT for comment had varying opinions on whether the Philippines should take a stand amid pressure from the United States for countries to “pick a side” on the leadership crisis in Venezuela, a matter on which the Philippines has no official stand so far.

NATIONAL Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Guillermo T. Eleazar said the police will observe a strict enforcement on expiring or expired gun licenses through “Oplan Katok,” as part of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) crime prevention and security measures for the upcoming midterm elections.

AN ESTIMATED 100 kilos of fresh and processed pork meat and meat byproducts have been confiscated from foreign travellers who have arrived in Cebu as part of the stringent measures against African swine fever.

THE defending University Athletic Association of the Philippines women’s volleyball champions De La Salle Lady Spikers successfully opened their title defense with a four-set victory over rivals Ateneo Lady Eagles, 25-14, 25-17, 16-25 and 25-19, on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.