Day: June 5, 2025

Manila: The Board of Investments’ (BOI) One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments (OSAC-SI) reported that 12 projects worth PHP203.63 billion under the green lane have become operational since President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 18. This order was aimed at expediting the processing of permits and licenses for high-impact projects. According to Philippines News Agency, data provided by BOI Director Ernesto delos Reyes indicated that six of these operational projects, with investments totaling PHP2.86 billion, align with the Marcos administration’s goals for food security. Additionally, four strategic investments amounting to PHP14.7 billion have begun operations, aiding the

Davao City: The City Health Office (CHO) has strengthened its efforts to curb the spread of mpox (formerly monkeypox) by intensifying contact tracing and monitoring activities throughout the city. According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Sofia Corazon Zafra, CHO program manager for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, announced that Davao City currently has seven confirmed mpox cases, with four individuals having recovered. Out of the 49 close contacts identified, 35 have completed the mandated 21-day monitoring period without showing signs or symptoms of mpox, while the remaining 14 individuals remain under observation. As part of its comprehensive prevention strategy, the

Manila: The Bureau of Customs-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) intercepted earlier this week a shipment containing methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, with an estimated street value of PHP6.72 million. The illegal drugs, weighing 988.5 grams, were discovered on Monday during an inspection at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) in Pasay City. According to Philippines News Agency, BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio stated in a news release on Thursday that the contraband was misdeclared as ‘ladies wear and bags.’ The district collector, lawyer Yasmin Mapa, mentioned that the claimant of the shipment was arrested and turned over to the Philippine

Manila: The Japan Credit Rating Agency Ltd. (JCR) has affirmed the Philippines’ investment-grade credit rating of ‘A-‘ with a ‘stable’ outlook, emphasizing the country’s consistent economic growth. According to Philippines News Agency, the JCR highlighted the Philippines’ high and sustained economic growth, which is bolstered by solid domestic demand, low external debt levels, and resilience to external shocks facilitated by accumulated foreign exchange reserves. An investment-grade rating indicates low credit risk and provides favorable financing terms for crucial public services and infrastructure projects. The agency projects that the Philippine economy will continue to grow within the upper 5 percent range

Manila: The local stock market closed almost flat on Thursday while the peso strengthened. The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) finished 0.03 percent lower to close at 6,376.79. All Shares, however, went up by 0.28 percent to 3,779.22. Except for Financials, which fell by 1.12 percent, all Sectors recorded gains led by Property, which rose 1.11 percent. According to Philippines News Agency, “Philippine and US equities delivered a mixed performance on, weighed down by the weakest private sector hiring in two years, tepid payroll gains, and a slipping dollar, all fueling investor caution,” Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales