Day: December 16, 2025

Manila: Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC) has announced its intention to acquire up to 11.2 percent of shares in Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI), as part of its strategy to ensure a resilient cash flow and align with its mandate to invest in strategic real-economy assets. The acquisition will involve a direct purchase of shares and a tender offer to existing public shareholders, facilitating ATI’s voluntary delisting from the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), according to a statement released by MIC. According to Philippines News Agency, MIC president and CEO Rafael Consing emphasized the importance of the port sector in the Philippine economy,

Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced that tariffs on imported rice will rise from 15 percent to 20 percent starting January 1, 2026. This change aligns with the government’s preparations for resuming rice importation next year, which has been temporarily halted to safeguard the income of local palay farmers during the wet harvest season. According to Philippines News Agency, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that the tariff increase accounts for the recent depreciation of the peso and the potential rise in global rice prices as the Philippines reengages in the market. Additionally, the DA plans to waive

Pangasinan: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has intensified its search and rescue (SAR) operations for a missing passenger along the Batangas-Caticlan sea route since Dec. 13. In a statement on Tuesday, PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, ordered the activation of SAR vessels and aerial assets as part of the PCG’s commitment to protecting lives at sea, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s ‘Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines)’ campaign. According to Philippines News Agency, Gavan emphasized the PCG’s dedication to providing quality service, regardless of the challenges in terms of assets, to all Filipinos and users of the seas.

Pangasinan: The provincial police will deploy barangay peacekeeping teams and local safety officers as force multipliers to manage holiday traffic and ensure public safety, officials said Tuesday. Col. Arbel Mercullo, Pangasinan police director, emphasized the need for additional support due to expected moderate to heavy traffic in tourist areas such as the Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos City and Bolinao town. According to Philippines News Agency, Mercullo stated in a press conference, “We will use all of our BPATs and force multipliers to maintain the traffic flow. We will coordinate public order and safety offices from each municipality and