S&P says risk buffers sufficient for now
THE PHILIPPINES and other emerging markets have enough buffers to cushion the blow of rising interest rates, slower global growth and weaker currencies, S&P Global Ratings said.
Index tracks improved PHL human capital
THE PHILIPPINES’ human capital improved over the past six years, according to the World Bank, which said the country improved on this count better than expected though it still fell short of the regional average due to productivity gaps.
BSP ready to tighten policy again if needed
THE BANGKO SENTRAL ng Pilipinas (BSP) is ready to tighten monetary policy further to rein in prices and support the peso if needed, Deputy Governor Diwa C. Guinigundo said.
Two more tax reforms move towards final House OK
THE HOUSE of Representatives on Wednesday night approved on second reading a proposed reform that will give the government a bigger share in miners’ revenues and will standardize real property valuation and assessment by local governments.
FDI net inflows more than double in July
NET INFLOWS of foreign direct investments (FDI) more than doubled in July, marked by strong inflows for both intercompany loans and equity capital, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported on Wednesday.
August merchandise export growth fails to stem trade deficit
THE COUNTRY’s merchandise trade deficit lingered above the $3-billion mark for the fifth straight month this year in August as a pickup in export growth that month failed to offset a slower increase in imports, according to data the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Wednesday.
Singapore court ruling in favor of Maynilad’s claim vs gov’t final
THE DECISION of the Singapore High Court to uphold the arbitral award amounting to at least P3.4 billion in favor of Maynilad Water Services, Inc. has become final after the Philippine government no longer appealed the case.
Palace orders ‘unimpeded’ rice imports
PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte has ordered “unimpeded” importation of rice, adding to steps meant to ease inflation which has been hitting multiyear peaks, Malacañang’s spokesman said on Tuesday.
General tax amnesty awaits plenary action in the Senate
SENATOR Juan Edgardo M. Angara, chairman of the Senate Ways and Means committee, on Tuesday submitted a general tax amnesty bill for plenary action.
House moves to relax foreign business hurdles
A BILL seeking to amend Republic Act No. 7042, or the Foreign Investments Act of 1991 in order to further open up the Philippine economy to foreign participation secured committee-level approval in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
Duterte says tissue samples ‘not yet cancerous’
“HINDI pa ako cancerous.” With those words, President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Tuesday evening sought to lay to rest speculations he was stricken with the disease.
Muted foreign interest in 3rd telco slot
FOUR LOCAL FIRMS and only one foreign company, Norway’s Telenor Group, firmed up their interest in participating in the auction for the country’s third major telecommunications service provider by purchasing the bid documents on Monday -- the first day of its availability.