Inflation to quicken in 2021, stabilize in 2022 - BSP survey

"Analysts expect inflation to remain benign in the near term, with risks to the inflation outlook tilted to the upside as the economy gradually reopens," read the BSP's latest quarterly inflation report. 24 firms took part in the recent survey, with their forecasts for 2021 averaging 2.9%. This is quicker than the mean forecast of 2.8% featured in the previous report.

PH receives confirmation of COVAX participation: SOH, Vaccine Czar inspect 3 Cold Chain Facilities in preparation for rollout
The Philippines  received the country’s confirmation of participation in the COVID-19 vaccine financing instrument, COVAX Facility - Advance Market Commitment (AMC). The COVAX Facility is a global procurement mechanism which invests in a broad portfolio of promising vaccine candidates to support their research, development, and manufacturing. With the country’s participation in the COVAX Facility, the country is set to receive vaccines in the first quarter of this year.

DOH: UK variant patient’s contacts who test positive for coronavirus now at 13

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, in a press briefing, said the patient’s mother, girlfriend, and 8 co-passengers, as well as a healthcare worker who transported the index case in an isolation facility, have all tested positive for Covid-19.

Indian group applies for emergency use authorization of COVAXIN in PH

A statement released Thursday said, "Ambica International Corporation and Family Vaccine (FVSC) and specialty clinics (through IP Biotech) has filed for emergency use authorization (EUA) for COVAXIN, India's indigenous vaccine in the Philippines."

PHL likely to avoid FATF ‘gray list’

The amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) will immediately take effect once it is published, a legislator said after the Senate and the House of Representatives ratified the measure on Wednesday. The Senate on Wednesday ratified the Bicameral Conference Committee report that reconciled House Bill No. 7904 and Senate Bill No. 1945.

Trade dep’t revises export targets for 2021, 2022

The Trade department revised its export targets for this year and 2022 to reflect the extent of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and sluggish global demand. The $105-billion target by 2022 is slightly higher than the $103.9-billion target the Trade department announced on Jan. 3.

Infrastructure spending down in Nov.

Data from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) showed infrastructure and other capital outlays declined by 50% to P40.3 billion in November from P80.9 billion a year ago. Infrastructure spending in November was also 29.4% smaller than the P57 billion spent in October, marking the fifth straight month of year-on-year decline since June when it posted a 44.5% annual growth.

COVID-19 task force to revise testing rules for inbound travelers

Health Department spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire on Thursday said passengers will be tested upon arrival then will undergo another swab test five days into their quarantine to ensure they are negative for the virus before they are cleared to go home.

DA to strengthen lab systems vs. animal, plant diseases

The Department of Agriculture said it will implement an integrated laboratory masterplan that aims to strengthen the country’s defense system against animal and plant diseases. "We are adopting an integrated 'OneDA' laboratory masterplan that incorporates international bio-risk management standards and best practices on biosafety and biosecurity measures, regulations, and certifications," Agriculture Secretary William Dar said in a statement

Economic cha-cha up in plenary by first week of February, says House leader

House plenary deliberations on the economic Cha-cha may be launched as early as the first week of February, said Rep. Alfredo Garbin, chairman of the chamber's constitutional amendments committee. Garbin, of AKO-Bicol Party-list, said during Wednesday's Ugnayan sa Batasan forum that up to two committee hearings may be held before the proposed Resolution of Both Houses 2 will be referred to the plenary.

Pilot run of saliva COVID-19 testing shows promise, says Gordon

The pilot study on saliva COVID-19 testing by the Philippine Red Cross yielded encouraging results, which could mean a cheaper and non-invasive alternative to swab tests, said the organization's chairman, Sen. Richard Gordon. Gordon said that the complete report cannot be disclosed yet, but said the results of the trial run show promise.