Phl unemployment rate dips in February
The Philippines’ unemployment rate dropped to 3.8 percent in February 2025, the lowest in three months, as more Filipinos joined the labor force and secured better-quality jobs, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

PH inflation slowed to 1.8% in March, a near 5-yr low
Inflation in the Philippines slowed to a nearly five-year low of 1.8 percent in March, driven mainly by lower rice and fuel prices.

Philippines eyes expanded international roadshow for CREATE MORE Act
The Philippines’ economic czar said on Thursday said the government will push through with their roadshows overseas to raise awareness about the recently enacted Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act.

PH rule book for natgas dev’t out
The Department of Energy (DOE) has signed the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the new law that seeks to develop and prioritize the local natural gas (natgas) sector.

Up to 20 airports being eyed for privatization
The DoTr said it is looking to tap the private sector to operate and maintain up to 20 airports under PPP arrangements. “Initially, it was nine (airports), but we are expanding it to about 20 commercial airports for PPP,” Transportation Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Jim C. Sydiongco told reporters on the sidelines of a briefing on Monday.

Over P5 trillion investments OKd for green lane processing
Investments endorsed for green lane processing crossed the P5-trillion mark as of April, according to the Board of Investments (BOI). Data released by BOI showed that the agency has certified 202 projects with investments amounting to P5.17 trillion as of April 4.

BIR adds more medicines to VAT-exempt list
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has issued the updated list of value-added tax (VAT)-exempt medicines for various diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

DOT, DTI ink deal to link tourism-related programs
The Department of of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Monday entered into an agreement for the convergence of programs that will advance tourism and tourism-related industries in the country.

ICT stakeholders gather to call for passage of ‘Konektadong Pinoy’ bill
On March 28 at the University of the Philippines (UP) Law Center, leaders from government, business, ICT industry, civil society, and consumer groups converged to call on Congress to act on the Konektadong Pinoy (Open Access in Data Transmission) Bill when session resumes on June 2.

DTI business registrations down 4% in March
Business name registrations and renewals filed with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) declined by 4 percent in March, largely due to double-digit percentage decreases in entries from wholesale and retail trade as well as manufacturing sectors.

Government borrowings drop to P340 billion
The Marcos government saw its borrowings fall by nearly 50 percent to P340 billion in February even with the issuance of global bonds aimed at plugging the budget gap.

Onion stocks shoot up as harvest peaks
The country’s onion stocks shoot up as harvest peaks with initial supplies projected to last until the fourth quarter, according to the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI).

Investors told to step up for Philippines energy transition
With the government playing a supporting role, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla is urging investors to take the wheel and drive the Philippines toward its energy transition goals.

Human verification tool vs cyber threats eyed for launch this year
World, the largest human-centered financial and identity network, is looking to roll out its unique human verification device in the Philippines within this year to help address cyber threats.

DICT officials told to tender their courtesy resignation
The newly appointed Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) ordered all undersecretaries, assistant secretaries and directors to file their “unqualified courtesy resignation.”

Naia concession agreement challenged before SC
A temporary restraining order, writ of preliminary injunction and status quo ante order were sought to declare as invalid and prohibit the further implementation of the NAIA PPP Project Concession Agreement.

Energy Regulatory Commission approves permits covering 5,419 MW
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is stepping up its regulatory processes in time for a surge in demand during the hot summer months. In light of this, the ERC approved 14 power supply agreements and issued permits for power facilities with a combined capacity of 5,419 megawatts.

Economists urge gov’t to retain 15% tariff on rice
The Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) is pushing to retain the 15-percent tariff on imported rice, warning that raising duties could drive up retail prices, disrupt local supply and undermine the country’s position in the regional rice market.

Negotiate not retaliate: Philippines open to cut tariffs on US imports
The Philippines is open to the possibility of bringing down the tariffs on American goods coming to the country in a bid to strike a trade deal with US President Donald Trump, who recently announced sweeping tariffs on the rest of the world.

BSP rate cut likely as inflation slows
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is widely expected to resume its monetary policy easing this week, as a continued slowdown in inflation opens the door for a fresh interest rate cut. Analysts said the BSP’s Monetary Board would likely slash borrowing costs by 25 basis points (bps) on Thursday, bringing the key policy rate to 5.5 percent from the current 5.75 percent.

PHL to benefit from trade diversion due to US reciprocal tariffs
Trade diversion in Asia arising from the United States’ reciprocal tariff orders could benefit the Philippines as it is one of the few countries slapped with a lower tariff.

AI could impact 40 percent of jobs worldwide–UN
The global artificial intelligence market is projected to reach $4.8 trillion — roughly the size of Germany’s economy — by 2033, the UN said Thursday, warning nearly half of jobs worldwide could be affected.

Aboitiz set to take over 2 regional airports
The Laguindingan and Bohol airports are to be turned over to the Aboitiz Group in the first half, allowing the new operator to expand the passenger capacity of the gateways to popular tourist destinations.