March 24, 2022
Duterte signs EO on economic recovery
Business World, March 24, 2022
PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte signed an executive order which lays down a 10-point policy agenda aimed at accelerating the economy’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, just a little over three months before he steps down from office...
BSP could lose control of inflation – analyst
The Manila Times, March 24, 2022
Mayvelin U. Caraballo
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) risks losing control of inflation if it continues to delay the tightening of its monetary policy, an analyst warned...
DepEd eases rules for schools to resume in-person classes
Philippine Daily Inquirer, March 24, 2022
Jane Bautista
The Department of Education (DepEd) is planning to “streamline” the requirements in its safety assessment tool that it uses to evaluate the applications of schools that want to implement limited face-to-face classes...
Rody sets 10-pt. recovery plan
Manila Standard, March 24, 2022
Vito Barcelo
President Rodrigo Duterte has adopted a 10-point policy agenda aimed at speeding up and sustaining the country’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic...
‘PHL debt needs a decade to cut; time to shift to green growth’
Business Mirror, March 23, 2022
Cai Ordinario
PARING down the country’s pandemic debts could take a decade or more, according to a retired professor from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)...
Duterte issues EO limiting billboard size
Philippine Star, March 24, 2022
Helen Flores
President Duterte has signed an executive order regulating out-of-home advertising signs and billboards, citing the environmental impact of such structures...
DepEd to take over Safety Seal issuance for schools
Philippine Star, March 24, 2022
Helen Flores
The Department of Education (DepEd) will be the issuing authority for the Safety Seal for all schools that will follow its guidelines on holding face-to-face (F2F) classes...
Measures vs retail cyberattacks out
The Manila Times, March 24, 2022
Mayvelin U. Caraballo
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has published a list of recommended countermeasures to cyber fraud and attacks on retail electronic payments and financial services or EPFS...
BSP reminds public to handle coins properly
The Manila Times, March 24, 2022
Mayvelin U. Caraballo
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) advised the public to handle coins properly or face jail time and fines...
DICT: No security risk in full foreign capital in telcos, still subject to checks
Manila Standard, March 24, 2022
The government does not see any national security threat arising from the passage of the law granting 100 percent foreign ownership of public services such as telecommunications, despite them being reclassified...
Baguio councilors seek Duterte veto of new city charter
Philippine Daily Inquirer, March 24, 2022
Vincent Cabreza
President Duterte has been asked by a majority of the city council to veto a new bill modernizing the 1909 Baguio Charter, primarily because it does not allow residents to ratify “this most important” policy document...
DepEd to release revised school safety assessment tool, final guidelines on face-to-face classes
Manila Bulletin, March 23, 2022
Merlina Hernando-Malipot
As part of the implementation of the progressive expansion of limited face-to-face classes amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the Department of Education (DepEd) has revised its School Safety Assessment Tool (SSAT) and is currently finalizing the guidelines on the conduct of in-person learning...
Policy for flexi-work scheme in govt out in 'next few weeks' - CSC
CNN Philippines, March 23, 2022
CNN Philippines Staff
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) on Wednesday said it is now in the "final stage" of institutionalizing flexible work arrangements in the government...
Moderna says infant Covid vaccine succeeded in trial
Daily Tribune, March 24, 2022
Agence France-Presse
US biotech firm Moderna on Wednesday said it was pursuing regulatory approval for its Covid vaccine in children under six years old after the two-shot regimen was found to be safe and produced a strong immune response...
First Gen tries hand at mass EV
Daily Tribune, March 24, 2022
Maria Romero
Lopez Group’s First Gen Corporation (First Gen) had launched a pioneering integrated electric vehicle (EV) pilot project with a novel charging station that gets its supply of electricity from a clean energy source...
Arizona is the first state to accept digital driver's licenses on iPhones
CNN Philippines, March 24, 2022
Samantha Murphy Kelly, CNN Business
iPhone owners with an Arizona driver's license or state ID can now upload either to their Apple Wallet, marking the first time a US state has supported digital versions of this type of identification in the app. But the uses remain very limited, for now...
QC, WB’s IFC partner to enhance pandemic response
Philippine Daily Inquirer, March 23, 2022
Ben O. de Vera
The local government of Quezon City has partnered with the World Bank Group’s International Finance Corp. (IFC) to ramp up response against the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic...
$700-M data center seen operational by year-end
Philippine Daily Inquirer, March 24, 2022
Roy Stephen C. Canivel
A Singapore-based company is planning to put up a $700-million hyperscale data center in the Philippines, which would make it the largest of its kind in the country, the Board of Investments (BOI) said...
NATO: 7,000 to 15,000 Russian troops dead in Ukraine
The Manila Times, March 24, 2022
Associated Press
NATO estimated on Wednesday that 7,000 to 15,000 Russian soldiers have been killed in four weeks of war in Ukraine, where fierce resistance from the country's defenders has denied Moscow the lightning victory it sought...
IMF: Russia default would have 'limited' global impact
The Manila Times, March 24, 2022
Agence France-Presse
The consequences for the global financial system if Russia cannot pay its foreign debts are likely to be "limited," a senior official at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila)...
UN to again ‘demand’ Russia ‘immediately’ end war in Ukraine
Manila Standard, March 24, 2022
Agence France-Presse
The UN General Assembly is expected to vote Thursday on a new non-binding resolution which, if adopted by a majority of member states, will “demand” that Russia stop the war in Ukraine “immediately”...
Ukraine’s Zelensky urges global protests against Russia’s war
Manila Standard, March 24, 2022
Agence France-Presse
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday urged citizens around the world to take to the streets to protest Russia’s invasion of his country...
World stocks up after tech-led US rally
The Manila Times, March 24, 2022
Associated Press
Global shares rose on Wednesday following a Wall Street rally led by technology companies...
Russian stock market plans limited reopening, some brokerages warn of losses
Rappler, March 23, 2022
Reuters
The Russian central bank said on Wednesday, March 23, that some stock market trading would resume on Thursday, March 24, after a near monthlong hiatus, with 33 securities to be traded on the Moscow Exchange for a limited time and with short selling banned...
As Ukraine war enters second month, Western leaders to put more pressure on Russia
Philippine Daily Inquirer, March 24, 2022
Reuters
Russian forces bombed areas of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Wednesday as Western leaders began gathering in Brussels to plan more measures to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt his month-old campaign...
Google to pause ads that exploit or dismiss Russia-Ukraine war
ABS-CBN News, March 24, 2022
Paresh Dave, Reuters
Alphabet-owned Google will not help websites, apps and YouTube channels sell ads alongside content that it deems exploits, dismisses or condones the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the US company said...
UK to send more missiles, money to Ukrainian army
GMA News, March 24, 2022
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said late Wednesday Britain would send 6,000 missiles and £25 million ($33 million, 30 million euros) in financial aid to Ukraine's army to help it fight Russian forces...
Oil climbs 5% after Russia warns of prolonged pipeline outage
CNN Philippines, March 24, 2022
Matt Egan, CNN Business
Oil prices rose sharply Wednesday after Russia warned a major oil pipeline could be out of service for more than a month due to storm damage, amplifying supply shortfalls caused by the war in Ukraine...
Mariupol bombarded by long-range Russian missiles
Daily Tribune, March 23, 2022
TDT
Russian warships have been spotted by the Pentagon in the nearby Sea of Azov, launching long-range missiles and artillery to pummel the southeastern Ukrainian city of Mariupol...
Indians tighten belts as Ukraine war drives up prices of necessities
Rappler, March 23, 2022
Reuters
Many Indians are cutting down on fried food and even vegetables as the Ukraine war inflates the prices of items from edible oils to fuel, threatening a sputtering recovery in the consumption-based economy after two years battling COVID-19...
Ukraine’s TB progress ‘stopped in one day’
Daily Tribune, March 24, 2022
Agence France-Presse
As Ukraine struggles to cope with the immediate casualties of Russia’s invasion, there are fears the war will also ruin the country’s progress in its fight against tuberculosis...
Govt can only fund 3 months of UCT – DBM
The Manila Times, March 24, 2022
Mayvelin U. Caraballo
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said on Wednesday that the national government has only three months' worth of excess revenues to finance the P500 monthly aid that President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered to be distributed among unconditional cash transfer (UCT) beneficiaries...
DoH experts study merit of second booster shot
The Manila Times, March 24, 2022
Red Mendoza
The government's Covid-19 Vaccine Expert Panel (VEP) said that it is awaiting data to determine the efficacy of a second booster shot to senior citizens and immunocompromised persons...
Comelec exempts OVP, DSWD from spending ban
Philippine Daily Inquirer, March 24, 2022
Dona Z. Pazzibugan
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has exempted the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) from the election ban on public spending for infrastructure and other projects...
Compromise deal sought for BPOs
Philippine Daily Inquirer, March 24, 2022
Maricel Cruz
The government and business process outsourcing (BPO) companies should come to an “acceptable compromise” over the state’s decision that they end work-from-home (WFH) arrangements for their employees by April 1 or lose their tax incentives, Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda said Wednesday...
4-day workweek needs exceptions
Daily Tribune, March 24, 2022
TDT
Palace business adviser Joey Concepcion said the four-day workweek being suggested to save energy amid the skyrocketing fuel prices may be applicable to other jobs, but not in sectors such as manufacturing and other services...
10,000 schools resume live classes
The Manila Times, March 24, 2022
Kaithreen Cruz
The Department of Education (DepEd) said on Wednesday that 10,196 schools have resumed conducting limited face-to-face (F2F) classes nationwide as of March 22...
DOH: No significant uptick in COVID-19 cases in any part of PH
Philippine Daily Inquirer, March 24, 2022
Daniza Fernandez
There is no significant uptick in COVID-19 cases in any part of the country, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire assured Thursday...
Government expands free rides to carousel buses
Manila Standard, March 24, 2022
The government wants to implement the expanded “Libreng Sakay” (Free Ride) program by next month, even as it will resume free rides on the EDSA carousel bus line in Metro Manila next week, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said Wednesday...
Limited DFA slots force applicants to line up at night
Philippine Daily Inquirer, March 24, 2022
Tina G. Santos
Hundreds of people have been lining up at the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) Aseana Business Park Office in Parañaque City since last week when the foreign office announced the opening of its courtesy lane to eligible walk-in applicants for passport and apostille services...
Pagasa revises definition of ‘super typhoon,’ signal system
Philippine Daily Inquirer, March 24, 2022
Zacarian Sarao
The state weather bureau adopted revised its definitions for “super typhoon’ and its tropical cyclone wind signals (TCWS) effective on Wednesday — in time for the commemoration of the 157th National Meteorological Day and the 72nd World Meteorological Day...
COVID-19 booster shot for children not needed yet, expert says
CNN Philippines, March 23, 2022
Angelica Demegillo
Vaccine expert panel chairperson Dr. Nina Gloriani said booster shots for the pediatric population are not yet necessary...
‘BSP risks falling behind curve in inflation fight’
Philippine Daily Inquirer, March 24, 2022
Ronnel W. Domingo
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) may be on the brink of losing control and credibility in herding inflation within the target range if monetary authorities do not adopt a tighter policy stance within the next three months, as growth in prices heat up globally due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine...
PPP projects to boost agriculture development
Philippine Star, March 24, 2022
Catherine Talavera
Agriculture Secretary William Dar has emphasized the need for public-private partnership projects to accelerate the development of the agriculture sector, in line with ensuring the country’s food sovereignty...
Stocks seen to break past 7,500 in Q2 amid volatility
Philippine Star, March 24, 2022
Irish Gonzales
Local equities are seen making a comeback in the second quarter, along with the recovery of the economy and improved performance of listed companies, even as volatility persists amid concerns brought about by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine...
Group rejects lower corn tariffs, more imports
The Manila Times, March 24, 2022
Eireene Jairee Gomez
Filipino corn producers are opposing the proposed reduction in corn tariffs and an increase in the volume of imports, citing their negative impact on the local industry...
Market ends flat on listless trade
Daily Tribune, March 24, 2022
Ben O. de Vera
Market finished flat on thin volumes as investors stayed on the sidelines ahead of the Bnagko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) policy meeting...
BSP may recast $11-b investment target as new developments arise
Manila Standard, March 23, 2022
Julito G. Rada
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas may revise the $11-billion forecast for net foreign direct investments by the middle of this year, taking into account various factors such as the results of the incoming elections, the program of the next government and the external developments, Governor Benjamin Diokno said Wednesday...
PPA remits P4.1B dividends to add to oil price surge subsidies
Philippine Daily Inquirer, March 23, 2022
Ben O. de Vera
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has remitted P4.1 billion in dividends to the national treasury, which will be added to funds being raised to give a bigger cash aid to households deemed most vulnerable to a surge in oil prices...
QC’s pandemic response gets boost from IFC
Business Mirror, March 23, 2022
Cai Ordinario
The World Bank Group’s private sector arm, International Finance Corp. (IFC), will provide advisory services to the local government of Quezon City to help “future proof” the city’s vaccination strategy and testing facilities...
IMF sees need to adjust rates earlier
Business World, March 24, 2022
Luz Wendy T. Noble
THE Philippine central bank may have to reassess its loose monetary policy earlier than planned as the surge in commodity prices raised inflation concerns, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said...