Arangkada PHL bares new proposals for air transport
The Arangkada Philippines Project, the advocacy arm of the Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC), has unveiled its recommendations for the government to address the “structural barriers” that limit Philippine air transport efficiency and competitiveness.

PHL digital transformation gaining momentum — BMI
The Philippine digital transformation is picking up steam, with substantial financial and telecommunication investments, Fitch Solutions unit BMI said. “However, providing broadband connectivity to rural areas remains a challenge,” it said in a commentary.

RE contract processing via EVOSS resumes — DoE
The DoE said it will start accepting applications for renewable energy contracts through the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop System next week, following the lifting of a five-month suspension. Beginning Nov. 25, RE developers will be able to submit their official letters of intent and applications for RE contracts.

Legislator backs CARS-like incentives for more automakers
More incentives are needed to support other carmakers not currently enrolled in the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy program, a legislator said. Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez said that the expansion to other manufacturers of CARS will help the auto industry develop.

More Pinoy workers use AI than global counterparts
Filipino workers are using more AI compared to their global counterparts. Findings of the latest Jobstreet by SEEK’s Decoding Global Talent Report 2024 with Boston Consulting Group and The Network showed 46% of Filipinos have reported that they use GenAI monthly in their work and personal lives.

Scarce raw materials, few testing facilities hinder parts localization in PHL
Local auto parts makers said the unavailability of local raw materials and lack of testing facilities in the country, among others, are hampering parts localization in the Philippines.

Court urged to void NAIA concession deal, airport fee hike order
A consumer group has asked a Manila court to invalidate provisions of the concession deal for the rehabilitation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and parts of the Manila International Airport Authority's (MIAA) revised order raising NAIA fees.

Local-rep requirement may be waived for foreign digital firms
Non-resident digital service providers (DSPs) will not be required to appoint a local representative when registering under the newly enacted value-added tax law, according to draft regulations issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

PH strengthens network of double taxation deals
The Department of Finance is strengthening the Philippines’ network of Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) to assist local businesses in their global expansion efforts. Mendoza said the Philippines will sign its DTA with Cambodia next year while negotiations for a DTA with Lao PDR are ongoing.

Peso falls to 59 vs dollar
The Philippine Peso on Thursday hit a record-low P59-a-dollar level for the first time in more than two years as the dollar continued its rally. The peso closed at P59 against the greenback at the end of trading.

2025 budget bill certified as urgent
Senate President Francis Escudero yesterday said President Marcos Jr. has certified as urgent Congress’ approval of the proposed P6.352 trillion national budget for next year.

TESDA braces for A.I. world with new course builder
With the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in the labor market, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) on Wednesday announced plans to introduce a new system capable of creating and updating course curricula faster and more effectively.

Gaming, energy firms seen to lead IPOs in ’25
Professional services company Deloitte is cautiously optimistic about the initial public offerings (IPOs) at the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) for 2025, which could be led by the gaming and energy firms.

SRA rejects claims of sugar oversupply
The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) rejected claims of an oversupply of sugar, which has been blamed for a decline in millgate prices. The Sugar Council, a confederation of three sugar associations, has said demand for domestically milled sugar has weakened due to the entry of imports and the increased use of artificial sweeteners by the beverage industry.

BSP: ‘Gradual’ easing remains the strategy
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has no plans to break its easing cycle despite the country’s slower-than-expected growth in the third quarter and the uncertainties surrounding the Trump administration in the United States.

DBM approves revised rules for gov’t procurement e-marketplace pilot test
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said on Tuesday that it approved the revised guidelines for the pilot run of an e-marketplace for government procurement.In a statement, the DBM said Budget Secretary and Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) Chairperson Amenah F. Pangandaman approved the GPPB resolution 06-2024 dated Oct. 4.

Easing cycle still underway — BSP
The Philippine central bank’s easing cycle is still underway though it may opt to keep rates steady at its December meeting, its top official said. Mr. Remolona reiterated that the central bank will continue to make rate cuts in 25-basis-point (bp) increments.

P38B transmission projects OK’d
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved three capital expenditure (capex) projects of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) worth P38.09 billion. ERC said these projects will significantly enhance the reliability and stability of the transmission grid in Luzon and Visayas regions.

IMF says ‘tit-for-tat’ tariffs can hurt Asia’s growth
“Tit-for-tat” retaliatory tariffs could hurt the growth outlook for the Asia-Pacific region, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said. Mr. Srinivasan said that “tit-for-tat retaliatory tariffs” could threaten growth prospects across the region as it could disrupt supply chains, including the Philippines’ business and economic activity in the United States.

Manila, Cebu hotels seen benefiting from improved flight connections
Hotels in Manila and Cebu are expected to be the main beneficiaries of greater flight connectivity over the year-end holidays, the Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOA) said. Strong demand is also expected for Bohol, Palawan, Boracay, and Siargao over the holidays, also due to the airline capacity dedicated to these destinations, he added.

Government agencies may procure supplies via ‘add to cart’
Procuring entities may soon “add to cart” common-use supplies and equipment as the trial phase for the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) electronic marketplace is set to begin. With the approval of the guidelines for the pilot implementation of the PhilGEPS e-marketplace, all branches of the national government may procure through the e-marketplace based on their needs and approved budget.

DA eyes importing veggies, possibly fish, after typhoons
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is mulling over the importation of vegetables and possibly expanding fish imports to stabilize prices following the “historic” damage brought by major typhoons on local plantations.

Incentives, digital infrastructure to fuel startup growth in PHL
The Philippine government must grant more incentives and strengthen its digital infrastructure to support the growth of startups, analysts said. According to Jay Fajardo, executive director at Ideaspace Ventures and QBO, These benefits should come in the form of financial incentives, regulatory freedom, access to inexpensive but quality talent, and mature digital infrastructure.

US firms eye local partners
Twelve US companies offering advanced cutting-edge solutions for sustainable smart city and infrastructure development were in Manila and Clark recently to explore partnerships with local entities. These businesses include graph-based AI technologies, progressive rail industry solutions, cyber security services, and advanced emergency response.

JICA execs visit Marcos at Malacañang: Support to PH will continue
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) guaranteed that it will continue supporting the Philippines, particularly in disaster risk reduction efforts. JICA plays an important role in some of the Philippines’ major infrastructure projects. It provided a soft loan for a part of major components of the recently opened Light Rail Transit Line 1 Cavite Extension.

TRB sees implementation of 3 SMC toll road projects next year
The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) expects the implementation of at least three toll road projects proposed by San Miguel Corp. (SMC) next year, according to the regulator’s executive director. These are the P148.30-billion Northern Access Link Expressway (NALEX); P152.39-billion SALEX, also known as the Southern Access Link Expressway; and Segment 1 of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) TR5, which is valued at P28.15 billion.

Emirates sees high demand for premium travel from PHL market
Dubai-based carrier Emirates is optimistic about the Philippine travel market amid growing demand for leisure travel, a company official said. Saeed Abdulla Miran, Emirates Philippines country manager, told reporters that more Filipinos are prioritizing premium travel.

South Korea backed ‘eco-friendly’ ₱330-M shipbuilding training center to rise soon
The Philippines, in partnership with South Korea, is set to establish a P330-million eco-friendly shipbuilding training center to create green jobs and enhance employment opportunities in the maritime sector.

Bahrain steel products maker to invest P1.5B in Pampanga ecozone operation
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said it signed a registration agreement with Promet (Asia), Inc., its first such deal with a company from Bahrain, which plans to start a P1.5-billion facility in a Pampanga economic zone (ecozone).

Masungi project chosen to be part of 2025 international innovation expo
Organizers of the World Exposition selected a project by the Masungi Georeserve Foundation (MGF) to be shared at its 2025 convention to be held in Osaka City, Japan. MGF’s project was the only Philippine entry and the only Southeast Asian entry on the organizers’ shortlist of 25 “Best Practices” from all over the world, which will be displayed at the exposition.

Subic is 6th cheapest destination}
DIGITAL travel platform Agoda cited Subic as the 6th cheapest destination in Asia for the upcoming holiday season due to its low room rates, it said. Its average room rate was listed at P5,046.69 per night, with check-in dates between Dec. 24 to 31, 2024.

ADB backs Ayala’s EV charging network with $100-M loan
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved loans of up to $100 million, or around P5.9 billion, for Ayala Corp. subsidiary AC Mobility Holdings, Inc. (AMHI) to build an electric mobility (e-mobility) ecosystem in the country. AMHI aims to drive the country’s transition to EV over the next five to seven years by expanding its product offerings.

PHL breaks ground on world’s largest solar and battery storage facility
The Philippines on Thursday signaled the start of construction of a P200-billion solar and battery storage project that is expected to supply power to over two million households by 2027. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. said that a 13-kilometer, 500-kilovolt transmission line will connect the project to the power grid, ensuring clean energy and efficient business activities.

PHL economic reforms pique Canadian firms’ interest
Canada is deploying one of its largest trade delegations to the Philippines next month, to be led by its Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Mary Ng. Canadian MSMes, as well as agricultural, clean technology, infrastructure development, and aerospace-related companies will join the delegation.

BMI: Cybersecurity threats rise with digitalization push
Recent efforts of the Philippine government to push for greater digitalization is expected to lead to greater use of electronic commerce and information communication technology services, according to an international think tank. However, BMI’s latest economic brief expressed its concern that this could pose major risk for the financial and banking sector through cybersecurity threats.

Completion date set for NGCP Northern Mindanao substation
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said it set a completion date of Jan. 31 for the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines’ (NGCP) P2.34-billion substation project in Northern Mindanao.

Southern Leyte port set for expansion
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said San Ricardo port in Southern Leyte will be expanded for P305.02 million. In a notice posted on the PPA website, the regulator invited interested parties to participate in the bidding to expand San Ricardo port.

Canada sending 300-member biz delegation to PHL in December
A business delegation from Canada consisting of 300 members is visiting the Philippines next month to explore collaborations in food security, clean technology, infrastructure, and information and communications technology (ICT), the Canadian embassy said.

PHL digital transformation gaining momentum — BMI
The Philippine digital transformation is picking up steam, with substantial financial and telecommunication investments, Fitch Solutions unit BMI said.

PHL to secure JICA loan for PTNI digitalization
The Presidential Communication Office (PCO) said the government will finalize its proposed loan to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the digitalization initiative of the Philippine Television Network, Inc. (PTNI) during the first quarter of next year.

PBBM: P200-B Terra Solar project to hasten RE goals
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday said the completion of the new P200-billion integrated solar and battery storage facility of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) in Nueva Ecija will not only generate thousands of jobs, but also help meet the country’s renewable energy target.

Bohol's first utility-scale solar plant begins operations
A month after connecting to Bohol's power grid, the Yuchengco-led PetroEnergy Resources Corp. announced that its Dagohoy Solar Project has been switched on and is expected to begin contributing to the grid.

US firms support Philippines' fight against red tape
American-led companies in the Philippines are backing up the government's efforts to improve the ease of doing business here by cutting on red tape.

PSE halts Greenergy trading; P1.5-billion deal under scrutiny
The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) suspended trading of Greenergy Holdings Inc. (GREEN) shares for one hour, until 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 22, 2024, after the company disclosed stock subscriptions amounting to P1.55 billion.

Fuel prices set to increase again next week
After this week's rollback, petroleum product pump prices are expected to rise next week. Based on the first four days of the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) and the average foreign exchange rate, gasoline is expected to jump by around P0.85 to P1.05, while diesel would go up by around P0.80 to P1.

Maynilad's P1.6-billion wastewater management to serve Muntinlupa communities soon
Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) is preparing to test its new P1.6-billion water reclamation facility (WRF) and sewer conveyance system in Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City, with the goal of full operation by year-end.