Philippines eyes more Japanese-funded infrastructure projects
THE Philippine government is eyeing more Japan-funded infrastructure projects this year, as the two countries eased the approval process of loan agreements in a bid to fast-track the implementation of infrastructure projects under the administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program.
PHL has policy space to address challenges — Diokno
THE Philippines has enough monetary and fiscal policy space to deal with the economic challenges it faces, central bank Governor Benjamin E. Diokno said in his first speech of the year.
Property price hikes pose rising risk to banks
PROPERTY PRICE hikes fueled by the Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) sector may pose increasing risks to the banking industry, according to Fitch Ratings.
Construction sector loses as much as 35% of costs to corruption — economist
THE CONSTRUCTION industry spends as much as 35% of its costs to pay corrupt officials, higher than its profit, according to a think tank.
January Meralco rates to go down
HOUSEHOLDS in Metro Manila can expect a decrease in their electricity bills in the first month of 2020, with typical households set to see a reduction of P82, the Philippine capital’s largest power distribution utility said on Wednesday.
UAE: No risk to oil flow through Strait of Hormuz
ABU DHABI -- The United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) energy minister said on Wednesday he saw no immediate risk to oil passing through the vital gateway of the Strait of Hormuz after Iran attacked bases housing US forces in Iraq.
Duterte offers new water contracts
PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte is offering new contracts to Metro Manila’s two water concessionaires, but warned the government will take over water distribution services and pursue charges against Manila Water Co., Inc. and Maynilad Water Services, Inc. should they reject the new terms and conditions.
December inflation fastest in six months
THE OVERALL year-on-year increase in prices of widely used goods picked up for the second straight month in December by its fastest pace in six months, the government reported on Tuesday.
Factory output extends slump to 12th straight month in November
FACTORY output declined for the 12th straight month in November, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported yesterday.
Inflation impact on poor picks up in Nov.
INFLATION, as experienced by low-income families, accelerated in November after five straight months of slowing down, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Monday.
Duterte signs record P4.1-T spending plan
PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte has signed the P4.1-trillion 2020 budget, his government’s largest spending plan to date, with expenditure focused on social services and infrastructure.
Think tank says Duterte health a risk that could lead to ‘political gridlock’
A THINK TANK on Monday flagged President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s poor health as a risk that could prematurely end his six-year term that started in 2016.