January 2, 2025
Factory activity expands in December
WORKERS make customized pet plushies at a factory in Angeles City, Pampanga, March 10, 2023. — REUTERS By Aubrey Rose A. Inosante, Reporter PHILIPPINE factory activity ended 2024 on a high as December growth was the fastest since November 2017, driven by an increase in production and new orders, S&P Global said on Thursday. The […]
January 2, 2025
Within-target inflation to keep BSP on easing path
A VENDOR tends to his store at a market in Manila, Philippines, Dec. 20, 2024. — REUTERS By Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson, Reporter PHILIPPINE INFLATION is seen to remain within target in 2025, analysts said, paving the way for the central bank to continue its easing cycle. “Looking ahead, inflation will likely be contained […]
January 2, 2025
Palay production to rebound in 2025
A rice field was damaged by heavy rains. — PHILIPPINE STAR/NOEL PABALATE By Adrian H. Halili, Reporter LOCAL RICE PRODUCTION is expected to rebound in 2025, an analyst said, citing low base effects. “It will likely be an increase since we are starting with a low base in 2024, where palay production had shrunk a […]
January 2, 2025
Kickstart Ventures to fund up to five Philippine startups in 2025
FREEPIK By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Reporter VENTURE capital Kickstart Ventures, Inc. seeks to fund as many as five startups in the Philippines and overseas this year that focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity. “We hope to do anywhere between three to five new deals this year,” Joan Yao, vice-president of investments at Kickstart […]
January 2, 2025
Ferronoux announces leadership changes after P297-million share deal
FERRONOUX Holdings, Inc. on Thursday announced a revamp in management after a P297-million share deal with backdoor lister Themis Group Corp. Michael C. Cosiquien stepped down as chairman, president and director of the listed company, it said in a stock exchange filing. He will be replaced by James G. Lorenzana, who was appointed Ferronoux director […]
January 2, 2025
NAIA 2024 passenger volume reaches 50M
PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN SAN MIGUEL CORP.-LED New NAIA Infra Corp. logged 50.1 million passengers in 2024, surpassing the pre-pandemic passenger count at Manila’s international airport. “This growth is a clear sign that confidence in air travel has returned, and it motivates us to work even harder,” New NAIA President Ramon S. Ang said in […]
January 2, 2025
MTRCB sets new record for materials reviewed
THE Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) greeted the new year with an announcement that they had reviewed over 267,000 materials in 2024, up from 255,220 in 2023 (a 4.65% increase) and 230,280 in 2022 (a 16% increase). In a statement sent via e-mail, the board said that the total was made up […]
January 2, 2025
DigiPlus set for expansion as it bags Brazil gaming license
DIGIPLUS.COM.PH DIGIPLUS Interactive Corp. is geared for expansion after securing a gaming license in Brazil. Its unit DigiPlus Brazil Interactive Ltda. received the definitive authority to operate sports betting and other online games from the Brazilian Ministry of Finance’s Secretariat of Awards and Bets, DigiPlus said in a stock exchange filing on Thursday. The company […]
January 2, 2025
Philippine bourse eyes increased trading this year
PHILIPPINE STAR/KRIZ JOHN ROSALES THE PHILIPPINE Stock Exchange, Inc. (PSE) expects stronger trading and capital-raising activities this year. “At the PSE, we are always optimistic and hopeful, and this year is no exception,” PSE President and Chief Executive Officer Ramon S. Monzon said in a statement on Thursday. “We look forward to a more robust […]
January 2, 2025
SC rejects contractor’s demand for additional payment
PHILIPPINE STAR/ EDD GUMBAN THE SUPREME Court (SC) has dismissed a lawsuit from a contractor that sought payment for additional construction work for the PNOC Shipping and Transport Corp. In a 16-page decision published last month, the full court affirmed the Commission on Audit’s (CoA) denial of E.L. Saniel Construction’s monetary claim. The tribunal said […]
January 2, 2025
Holiday surge takes toll on platform workers
PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN By Chloe Mari A. Hufana, Reporter PLATFORM WORKERS are left grappling with unrelenting schedules during the holidays, facing mounting health risks and enjoying insufficient protections, a delivery rider association said. Geoffrey P. Labudahon, national coordinator of RIDERS-SENTRO, said the increase in bookings or deliveries is not translating to higher income with delivery […]
January 2, 2025
Banks’ NPLs may go down this year on BSP cuts
BW FILE PHOTO THE NONPERFORMING loans (NPLs) of Philippines banks may decline this year as the central bank continues to cut borrowing costs. “NPLs will ease as interest rates drop and lower the debt service burden of clients,” First Metro Investment Corp. Head of Research Cristina S. Ulang said in a Viber message. Philippine banks’ […]