Tighter-than-necessary rate environment on BSP’s radar
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is beginning to see a tighter-than-necessary monetary policy environment, which may call the need to lower interest rates in the second half even if it cuts ahead of the US Federal Reserve......»»
BSP Governor Eyes Potential Rate Cut as Inflation Eases
In a recent interview, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr. hinted at a potential rate cut later this year, signaling optimism amid the nation’s economic landscape. While cautious about the first semester, Remolona remains watchful, stating that the move could come “within the year.” The BSP, responding to escalating inflation, had hiked […].....»»
BSP governor says February rate cut not likely
In statements made to the press, BSP Governor Eli Remolona said that due to the “numbers we are seeing” a rate cut “is not likely (on) February 15”, which is the next scheduled meeting date for the BSP’s Monetary Board......»»
2.4M Dabawenyos working as of Oct 2023
The October 2023 Preliminary Employment report by the Philippine Statistics Authority-Davao Region (PSA-Davao) reveals that 64 percent of the 3.780 million Dabawenyos aged 15 and above are part of the labor force, indicating that 2.42 million individuals are employed. This represents a 1.8 percentage point increase from the previous year. The report also highlights a 97.1 percent employment rate in the Davao Region as of October 2023, with a 2.9 percent unemployment rate, lower than the national average. Despite this, the region still maintains the highest employment rate in the Philippines. Additionally, the report compares employment rates across different regions, with Soccsksargen, Barmm, Central Luzon, CAR, Caraga, Western Visayas, Cagayan Valley, Mimaropa, and Central Visayas surpassing the national average. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) records the highest labor force participation rate among 17 regions, while the Zamboanga Peninsula has the lowest rate. The data is collected through the Labor Force Survey (LFS) conducted quarterly and monthly by the PSA central office and its regional statistical services offices. The Davao Region, with nearly 6 million inhabitants, remains the 7th most populous region in the country......»»
BSP onboards 1st nonbank electronic money issuer
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) achieved a significant milestone by welcoming OmniPay, Inc. as the first nonbank electronic money issuer (EMI) participant in its Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) payment system, PhilPaSSplus. This move aligns with the National Payment Systems Act and signifies a more inclusive national payment system, allowing nonbank financial institutions to conduct efficient and low-risk funds transfers directly through the central bank. Assistant Governor Mary Anne P. Lim emphasized the BSP's commitment to safeguarding the entire Peso RTGS payment system amidst global trends of diversified participation. With 236 institutions, including various banks and nonbank entities, utilizing PhilPaSSplus for large value transactions and retail payment clearing, the BSP's initiative reflects a broader trend of central banks facilitating direct access for nonbank entities to settlement services. This development comes as international standard-setting bodies work on access guidelines to manage risks in evolving payment systems with new players and financial technologies......»»
Sinophobia, racism wala sa radar ng Kamara
Nilinaw ni Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers na hindi maituturing na Sinophobia o racism ang gagawing imbestigasyon ng Kamara de Representantes sa pagdagsa ng mga estudyanteng Chinese sa Cagayan province. The post Sinophobia, racism wala sa radar ng Kamara first appeared on Abante......»»
US Launches Follow-Up Strike on Houthi Radar Site
WASHINGTON - The United States launched a follow-up strike against a Houthi target in Yemen early Saturday, after officials said they were not satisfied with the damage inflicted during the initial round of airstrikes late Thursday.U.S. Central Command said it launched the additional strike from the USS Carney, a guided missile destroyer, firing multiple Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles to take out a radar site tha.....»»
US Launches Follow-Up Strike on Houthi Radar Site
WASHINGTON - The United States launched a follow-up strike against a Houthi target in Yemen early Saturday, after officials said they were not satisfied with the damage inflicted during the initial round of airstrikes late Thursday.U.S. Central Command said it launched the additional strike from the USS Carney, a guided missile destroyer, firing multiple Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles to take out a radar site tha.....»»
US inflation, BSP action on investors radar this week
The stock market will attempt to sustain its momentum this week as investors look to get inspiration from upcoming US economic data and the policy rate-setting meeting of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas......»»
BSP logs 40K complaints relating to financial consumer protection; only 5% come from Mindanao
SINCE the effectivity of the Financial Consumer Protection Act (Republic Act 11765) in June 2022, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has logged more than 40,000 complaints from customers of different BSP-supervised financial institutions from all over the Philippines. Of this number, only around 5 percent come from Mindanao, implying the Mindanaoans' unawareness of the law......»»
BSP sees room for further rate hike
After discounting the possibility of a rate cut in the first half of the year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) believes there is still room to raise interest rates amid the country’s robust economic growth......»»
BSP keeps policy rate at 6.5%
In the MB’s first policy rate meeting in 2024, the MB held steady at a 6.5% benchmark interest rate as the country’s inflation risks continued to lean on the upside. .....»»
Philippines inflation rate slows to 2.8 pct in January
MANILA, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Year-on-year inflation in the Philippines further eased to 2.8 percent in January from 3.9 percent in December 2023, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said on Tuesday. PSA head Dennis Mapa told a press conference that the January inflation rate is the lowest since the 2.3 percent inflation rate was recorded in October 2020. In January 2023, inflation rate was 8.7 percent.....»»
Interest rates to remain at 6.5% — BSP
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) Monetary Board (MB) decided to retain its target reverse repurchase rate at 6.5%......»»
Tighter control over rice imports, direct buying from farmers eyed
The Department of Agriculture is seeking tighter control over the rice industry by restricting imports during harvest seasons and inspecting warehouses of traders and importers......»»
Masungi Georeserve sees tighter security
Augmentation forces will be deployed to secure the Masungi Georeserve and protect it against illegal logging, land grabbing, quarrying and other threats......»»
Eastern Visayas posts 5.1 percent unemployment rate in July 2023
Eastern Visayas’ unemployment rate peaked at 5.1 percent in July 2023, higher by 0.9 percentage point than the 4.2 percent unemployment rate in April 2023......»»
Fight vs inflation far from over – BSP
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona said it is too soon to declare victory in the fight against inflation, signaling a higher-for-longer rate environment, as inflationary risks continue to cloud the outlook......»»
‘AO 20 necessary for food security’
The newly issued administrative order seeking to remove non-tariff barriers on agricultural imports is a necessary measure for food security, the National Economic and Development Authority said yesterday amid concerns raised by stakeholders......»»
Rama: No need to rush RPT revision
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said revising the Real Property Tax (RPT) wasn’t yet necessary, showing a sudden change in his position. At first, Rama said the RPT revision had to be done this month. Later, he told the council that imposing the RPT suddenly wasn’t necessary, showing a change in.....»»
Solo parents to get P1K monthly subsidy
The Local Solo Parents' Ordinance, recently approved by the 20th City Council of Davao City, promises a monthly subsidy of approximately P1,000 for eligible beneficiaries. Councilor Tricia Ann Villafuerte highlighted the ordinance's significance in providing vital support to solo parents and their children, as there are approximately 6,000 solo parents in Davao City. This ordinance is an adaptation of the national law, Republic Act 8972, customized to address the unique needs of solo parents in the city. It aims to meet the essential needs of mothers and their children, including school supplies, consultation, laboratory diagnostics, and financial assistance, such as medical, death, and burial aid. Additionally, solo parents will receive a monthly monetary subsidy of P1,000 and are entitled to a 10 percent discount on select basic commodities, similar to senior citizens and Persons with Disability (PWD). To qualify for the benefits, applicants must submit necessary documents and meet specific criteria, while disqualification grounds include changes in civil status and provision of necessary assistance by the other biological parent as per the Family Code of the Philippines. It's important to note that individuals under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) are ineligible for the Local Solo Parents' Ordinance......»»