April 28, 2022
Omicron subvariant in PHL, DOH confirms
BusinessMirror, April 28, 2022
Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco
The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday confirmed the detection of Omicron-BA.2.12 in the country...
Higher revenue cuts Govt deficit to P316.8B
BusinessMirror, April 28, 2022
Bernadette D. Nicolas
The national government’s budget deficit in the first quarter of this year shrank to P316.8 billion as revenues grew along with government expenditures...
BSP to scale back policy support as economy recovers, Diokno says
BusinessWorld, April 28, 2022
Luz Wendy T. Noble
The Philippine central bank will take into account the pace of economic recovery as it pursues monetary policy normalization...
August 30 declared National Press Freedom Day
Philippine Star, April 28, 2022
Alexis Romero
President Duterte has signed into law a measure declaring Aug. 30 of every year as National Press Freedom Day as his administration continues to draw flak over its actions that allegedly discourage independent and critical reporting...
Fitch worried by constraints to debt reduction efforts
Philippine Daily Inquirer, April 28, 2022
Ronnel W. Domingo
The reduction of debt levels in Asia-Pacific countries will be limited in the next few years and the trajectory of debt is a concern for prospects of countries like the Philippines, according to Fitch Ratings...
COVAX to replace expired vax doses
Manila Standard, April 28, 2022
Willie Casas
Some 3.6 million expired COVID-19 vaccine doses will be replaced by the COVAX facility with no additional cost, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said...
SC: 729-ha Bonifacio Global City, several Makati Barangays are Taguig’s
BusinessMirror, April 28, 2022
Joel R. San Juan
The Supreme Court has ruled that the 729-hectare Bonifacio Global City complex and several other barangays in Makati actually belong to Taguig City...
Duterte signs Marawi siege compensation law
BusinessMirror, April 28, 2022
Cai Ordinario and Samuel P. Medenilla
Victims of the 2017 Marawi Siege may now get compensation from the government...
PAGCOR calls for separate online sabong regulator
BusinessWorld, April 27, 2022
Tobias Jared Tomas
Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) Chief Andrea D. Domingo said online cockfighting, known as e-sabong, needs a separate regulator with sufficient authority to deal with the local governments involved in the trade...
Saudi deployment ban still in effect — DOLE
CNN Philippines, April 27, 2022
Tristan Nodalo
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) maintained that the deployment ban for newly hired workers bound for Saudi Arabia is not yet lifted, contrary to a new order released by Migrant Workers Secretary Abadullah Mama-o...
BSP to launch digital currency pilot project
BusinessWorld, April 28, 2022
Luz Wendy T. Noble
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is currently working on a pilot project that will test the use of wholesale central bank digital currency (CBDC) for large-value financial transactions among selected financial institutions...
SG now top foreign direct investor to PHL
BusinessMirror, April 28, 2022
Bianca Cuaresma
Singapore has become a “vital source” of foreign direct investments (FDI) to the country in 2021, as its investments to the Philippines has “more than tripled” during the year...
Tariff, non-tariff ways get focus as global food insecurity rises
BusinessMirror, April 28, 2022
Andrea E. San Juan
The World Trade Organization (WTO) must look into tariffs and non-tariff measures that can unlock ‘significant productivity gains’ in the farm sector, according to the Philippines’s permanent representative to the WTO...
Covax replacing expired Covid jabs
Daily Tribune, April 28, 2022
MJ Blancaflor
Around 3.6 million doses of donated Covid-19 vaccines have expired in the Philippines, but it would be replaced by vaccine-sharing platform Covax facility for free, according to the Department of Health...
Singapore firms drawn to strong PHL demand in retail, food sectors
BusinessMirror, April 28, 2022
Andrea E. San Juan
Strong Philippine consumer demand in retail and food sectors has attracted Singaporean companies, according to Enterprise Singapore...
IPOPHL, PRA toughen efforts vs piracy
Daily Tribune, April 28, 2022
Raffy Ayeng
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) will strengthen their collaboration against going after fraud as well as promoting intellectual property (IP) rights as a tool for business recovery and growth...
Dominguez invites Japanese investors to Philippines
The Manila Times, April 28, 2022
Mayvelin U. Caraballo
Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez 3rd urged Japanese investors to increase their investments and expand their business in the Philippines, citing the country's positive developments over the last five years...
‘Robredo’s economic policies clear, Marcos’ unclear’
Philippine Daily Inquirer, April 28, 2022
Ben O. de Vera
A Barcelona-based think tank sees unclear economic policies of leading presidential bet Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in contrast to a detailed policy platform of his main competitor, Vice President Leni Robredo, ahead of the Philippines’ May 9 elections...
Relief from global shipping
woes to come in ‘23–ADB
BusinessMirror, April 28, 2022
Cai Ordinario
Relief from the global shipping woes may only come in 2023 as ships ordered by logistics firms start being delivered, according to economists from the Asian Development Bank (ADB)...
WB expects high global prices until 2024
Philippine Daily Inquirer, April 28, 2022
Ben O. de Vera
The World Bank has warned that the spillover impact on global commodity prices of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine may linger for a couple of years more...
Poor nations face four times more climate change risk, S&P warns
BusinessMirror, April 28, 2022
Bloomberg
Poorer countries' economies will be four times more exposed to climate risks than richer peers by 2050, according to an S&P Global Ratings analysis...
Regional energy shift an ‘uphill climb’ — S&P
Daily Tribune, April 28, 2022
TDT
Energy transition among Asia-Pacific nations will be an uphill journey, according to a Standard and Poor’s (S&P) report...
Putin warns of 'lightning response' to intervention in Ukraine
The Manila Times, April 28, 2022
Agence France-Presse
President Vladimir Putin warned Wednesday that if any other country intervenes in Moscow's military operation in Ukraine, Russia will launch a quick-fire military response...
Ukraine war to hit poor, lift oil producers in MENA
The Manila Times, April 28, 2022
Agence France-Presse
The war in Ukraine has "significantly" impacted the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), with the crisis dealing a heavy blow to low-income countries while benefiting oil-producing states, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Wednesday...
Measles cases surge 80%, other diseases could follow – UN
The Manila Times, April 28, 2022
Agence France-Presse
Measles cases have surged by nearly 80 percent worldwide this year, the UN said on Wednesday, warning that the rise of the "canary in a coal mine" illness indicates that outbreaks of other diseases are likely on the way...
EU defies gas ‘blackmail’ as Russia pushes deeper into Ukraine
Manila Standard, April 28, 2022
Agence France-Presse
The European Union warned Russia on Wednesday it would not bend to “blackmail” over its support for Kyiv, after the Kremlin cut off gas supplies to Bulgaria and Poland...
Videoconferencing hinders creativity, study finds
ABS-CBN News, April 28, 2022
Juliette Collen and Daniel Lawler, Agence France-Presse
People are worse at coming up with creative ideas during a video call compared to meeting in person, a study said Wednesday, suggesting that workplaces should prioritize brainstorming sessions for the office...
Russian hacking in Ukraine has been extensive and intertwined with military operations, Microsoft says
CNN Philippines, April 28, 2022
Sean Lyngaas, CNN
At least six different Kremlin-linked hacking groups have conducted nearly 240 cyber operations against Ukrainian targets, Microsoft said Wednesday, in data reveal a broader scope of alleged Russian cyberattacks during the war on Ukraine than previously documented...
Stop relying on Russia, Ukraine warns Europe after gas shutoff
Philippine Daily Inquirer, April 28, 2022
Reuters
Europe should stop depending on Russia for trade after Moscow halted gas supplies to Bulgaria and Poland for not paying in roubles, Ukraine said, as the shutoff exposed the continent’s weaknesses and divisions on Wednesday...
Top European companies see no major disruption after Russia’s gas delivery halt
Rappler, April 27, 2022
Reuters
Some of Europe’s top companies, including Stellantis and Michelin, said on Wednesday, April 27, Russia’s decision to halt gas deliveries to Poland and Bulgaria had not disrupted factories, even as worries grow about possible bigger cuts in the region...
Climate change putting 4% of global GDP at risk, new study estimates
Rappler, April 27, 2022
Reuters
Climate change could see 4% of global annual economic output lost by 2050 and hit many poorer parts of the world disproportionately hard, a new study of 135 countries has estimated...
EU condemns Myanmar's ‘politically motivated’ Suu Kyi sentence
ABS-CBN News, April 28, 2022
Agence France-Presse
The European Union on Wednesday slammed a five-year jail sentence given by a Myanmar junta court to deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi at a "politically motivated" trial...
Can your mobile phone get a virus? Yes – and you'll have to look carefully to see the signs
GMA News, April 28, 2022
With nearly 84% of the world’s population now owning a smartphone, and our dependence on them growing all the time, these devices have become an attractive avenue for scammers...
Over 21% of reptile species at risk of extinction
The Manila Times, April 28, 2022
Agence France-Presse
At least one in five reptile species are threatened with extinction, including more than half of turtles and crocodiles, according to the first major global assessment of the world's so-called cold-blooded creatures...
Sand crisis looms as world population surges, U.N. warns
Philippine Daily Inquirer, April 28, 2022
Reuters
A U.N. report on Tuesday called for urgent action to avert a “sand crisis,” including a ban on beach extraction as demand surges to 50 billion tonnes a year amid population growth and urbanization...
Exploration for WPS oil up to next administration
BusinessMirror, April 27, 2022
Rene Acosta
The government is leaving it up to the next administration to decide whether or not to pursue oil exploration projects in the West Philippine Sea, including in the waters off Palawan that the government earlier halted following pressure from China...
DND searches for new proponent for offshore patrol vessel project
BusinessMirror, April 27, 2022
Rene Acosta
With the possible termination of the contract with Australian shipbuilder Austal for the supply and delivery of six offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) for the Philippine Navy, the Department of National Defense (DND) has turned its attention to two other proponents, the South Korean company Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and Turkish defense contractor ASFAT...
Subic Bay master plan finalized – DoF
The Manila Times, April 28, 2022
Mayvelin U. Caraballo
The Subic Bay Regional Development Master Plan has already been finished, the Department of Finance (DoF) announced on Tuesday, with the help of a survey mission team from the Japan International Cooperation Agency...
2.2 million babies, tots need ‘catch up’ immunization
Philippine Daily Inquirer, April 28, 2022
Jerome Aning and Kathleen de Villa
Some 2.2 million infants and toddlers are up for routine and catch-up immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases in a special campaign that begins today in Manila and certain provinces...
29% want masks off once COVID-19 under control
Philippine Star, April 28, 2022
Janvic Mateo
Three in every 10 Filipinos said they will no longer wear a face mask once the spread of COVID-19 is controlled, a survey conducted by OCTA Research showed...
Teachers to get poll duty pay in cash
Philippine Daily Inquirer, April 28, 2022
Jane Bautista and Jeannette I. Andrade
With only days to go before Election Day, the Commission on Election (Comelec) announced that the honoraria and allowances of teachers who will serve as election workers on May 9 would be distributed in cash instead of the usual bank cards...
DOH launches vax drive for kids vs non-COVID diseases
Philippine Daily Inquirer, April 28, 2022
Gabriel Pabico Lalu
The Department of Health (DOH) has launched the Chikiting Bakunation Days — a vaccination drive for children aged six months to 59 months old (4.91 years) against non-COVID diseases...
Duterte attends Cebu-Cordova bridge inauguration
Philippine Star, April 28, 2022
Alexis Romero
President Duterte yesterday led the inauguration of the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), a project that is expected to improve mobility in the province and boost the local economy...
100-project pipeline to be left to next gov’t; 12 BBB works finished
BusinessWorld, April 27, 2022
Arjay L. Balinbin
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said the infrastructure projects completed on the eve of the government handover is 12 major works and seven more due for completion by June 30, leaving a pipeline of 100 projects for the next administration...
DU30: Follow health protocols on Election Day
Daily Tribune, April 28, 2022
MJ Blancaflor
Fearing another surge in coronavirus infections, President Rodrigo Duterte renewed his call to Filipinos to adhere to health protocols come Election Day...
New Clark airport terminal to open on May 2
Philippine Star, April 28, 2022
Richmond Mercurio
The new passenger terminal at the Clark International Airport will be opened for both domestic and international travelers starting next month...
Free MRT rides extended until May 30
Philippine Star, April 28, 2022
Ghio Ong
Free rides on the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 have been extended for another month, the MRT-3 management announced yesterday...
Film pulled out over scene of nine-dash line
Manila Standard, April 28, 2022
Hollywood film “Uncharted” was pulled out from Philippine cinemas over a scene containing an image of the nine-dash line, an invisible demarcation that depicts China’s claims in the South China Sea...
Duterte on 2016 vow to end drug problem in 6 months: Maybe it’s my hubris
ABS-CBN News, April 28, 2022
Pia Gutierrez
President Rodrigo Duterte acknowledged it could be "hubris" that motivated him to promise to end in three to six months the problem of illegal narcotics in the country...
Human to human transmission of bird flu very rare, says expert
Philippine Daily Inquirer, April 28, 2022
Cathrine Gonzales and Tonette Orejas
Human-to-human transmission of the avian influenza is very rare, an infectious disease expert said Thursday after China recorded the first human infection with the H3N8 strain of bird flu...
No glitches at start of absentee voting
Manila Standard, April 27, 2022
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said the 3-day local absentee voting (LAV) from April 27 to April 30 went smoothly...
PHL coco oil exports may breach $1.5B on tight vegetable oil supply
BusinessMirror, April 28, 2022
Jasper Y. Arcalas
The Philippines’s total coconut oil (CNO) exports this year could breach the $1.5-billion mark—the second highest on export value record—as exporters benefit from higher demand and rising prices of the commodity due to a shortfall in global vegetable oil supply...
Pagcor on track to hit P65-B gaming income
Manila Bulletin, April 27, 2022
Chino S. Leyco
State-owned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) is on track to hit its revenue targets, driven by country’s much improved economic environment amid the prolonged pandemic...
Fiscal consolidation at risk as prices continue to rise
Philippine Star, April 28, 2022
Lawrence Agcaoili
Rising global commodity prices continue to pose a risk to fiscal consolidation in several Asia-Pacific countries including the Philippines this year, according to Fitch Ratings...
PSEi slumps, ends lowest in 7 weeks
Philippine Star, April 28, 2022
Richmond Mercurio
Local stocks plunged for a second consecutive session, along with most Asian markets, echoing a broad decline on Wall Street and driven by worries about how the war in Ukraine may push prices for oil and other commodities higher...
Fed plan rattles Wall Street, sending PH shares diving
Philippine Daily Inquirer, April 28, 2022
Miguel R. Camus
The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) was down over 100 points while trading volume accelerated after a selloff in Wall Street overnight...
Budget deficit narrows to P316.8 billion in 3 months
Philippine Star, April 28, 2022
Elijah Felice Rosales
The government slashed its budget deficit by more than one percent to about P317 billion in the first quarter as the growth in revenues outpaced the rise in expenditures...
PAL Express vows ‘quality service’ with fresh franchise
Philippine Daily Inquirer, April 28, 2022
Tyrone Jasper C. Piad
With the renewal of its franchise, Lucio Tan-led Air Philippines Corp. has vowed to continue providing quality services for its customers amid recovering travel demand following the easing of mobility restrictions...
Gov’t raises only P6.3 million from smuggled cars’ sale
Philippine Daily Inquirer, April 27, 2022
Ben O. de Vera
The government on Wednesday (April 27) raised only P6.3 million from three smuggled cars it sold instead of destroying them as done in the past...