Business
CCC, Ayala aim to bolster climate resilience of PHL
The Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the Ayala Group are accelerating initiatives aimed at boosting the country’s climate-resilience and adaptation.
Smart blocks more than 13 million smishing attacks in January-March
Smart Communications Inc. said on Wednesday it intercepted and blocked more than 13 million smishing attacks in the first quarter of 2024, blacklisting nearly 200,000 mobile numbers engaged in phishing activities.
Filreit wants share prices to rise before acquiring assets
Filinvest REIT Corp. (Filreit), the real estate investment trust (REIT) of the Gotianun Group, said it is waiting for the equities market to recover and for its stock price to improve before acquiring more assets via share swap.
Terra Solar boosts SPNEC 2023 income
SP New Energy Corp. (SPNEC), the listed renewable energy company now chaired by Manuel V. Pangilinan, reported a net income of P5.7 billion last year.
SEC makes permanent cease order against MFT
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) made permanent the cease-and-desist order (CDO) it issued against Maria Francesca Tan (MFT) Group of Companies Inc. and Foundry Ventures I Inc.
PHL gains World Bank’s help in digitalization bid
THE World Bank (WB) expressed its support for the Philippine government’s digitalization program to enhance tax administration, assist in the energy and agriculture sectors and facilitate investments in human capital.
Islamic banking options await Filipinos as lenders filing soon
FILIPINOS could soon have more Islamic banking options as two banks are already in advanced stages of discussions to secure their Islamic banking licenses, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
DA begins effort to develop deep-water ports
The Department of Agriculture (DA) created a technical working group (TWG) that will develop policies pertaining to the development and operation of deep-water ports.
Villar calls for ‘balikatan’ to protect marine resources in WPS
Sen. Cynthia A. Villar vowed to stand by Filipino fishermen and pushed for “balikatan” to protect the West Philippine Sea (WPS) where the country sources “a big percentage” of its fish production.
Local tobacco fetches higher prices this season–NTA
Tobacco farmers are selling at high prices in buying stations their flue-cured Virginia tobacco leaves, and the air-cured burley and native tobacco leaves this season, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Biden’s push for World Bank funds to vie with China stalls
A US plan to raise billions of dollars in additional resources for the World Bank to counter China’s lending to the developing world has stalled less than nine months after President Joe Biden made it a centerpiece of his meetings with fellow Group of 20 leaders last year.
CPM explores other measures to stop spread of plant diseases
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) met last Monday to discuss further measures to stop the spread of plant pests and diseases.
Brazil readies ethanol for green jet fuel, rocking US rivals
The United States made a huge technological leap forward this year with the launch of the world’s first plant that makes sustainable jet fuel from ethanol—but it’s Brazilian farmers, not American ones, who’ll initially reap the benefits.
Why April 15 as tax deadline?
EVERY year since I can remember, even before I was born, annual tax deadline has always been April 15. My father who is also a CPA had been in Public Practice since I was small. I can always see the frenzied pace in the office as the tax deadline nears. But as a young child I was not perturbed having got used to it since I am always at his office. I am looking forward more to the birthday celebration of my father whose birthday is on April 16—a day right after the April 15 deadline. So it is a double celebration of sorts – end of a tax season celebration and the birthday of my father.
Singaporean firm rolls out app for on-demand pay
PAYWATCH seeks to popularize Earned-Wage Access (EWA) in the Philippines to provide “financial wellness” among employees and boost productivity and retention in private companies.
Unionbank launches wealth product in bid to expand customer base this year
THE Aboitiz family-led Union Bank of the Philippines (Unionbank), through its new wealth management program, announced last Tuesday it aims to expand its customer base in 2024 by aggressively promoting their two different portfolios.
Insurance to come with free legal aid
FREE legal assistance, such as filing a claim or complaint arising from insurance, pre-need and health maintenance organization (HMO) products, may soon be availed by those covered by insurance.
NG rejects all bids for bonds on high bids
THE national government fully rejected bids for its reissued 20-year Treasury bond (T-bond) on Tuesday’s auction as higher bid yields could increase the government’s borrowing costs.
BIR extends deadline for online biz
THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is officially extending the deadline for business registration and submission of the Sworn Declaration of Gross Remittance for online sellers for another 90 days for compliance until July 14, 2024.
Eternal Chapels opens new branch in Cagayan de Oro City
Eternal Chapels and Mortuary Services unveiled their second branch in Cagayan de Oro City, marking the sixth Eternal Chapels branch in the Philippines. The blessing and inauguration ceremony took place on the site located at #86 Toribio Chavez St., Cagayan de Oro City, more popularly known as Divisioria, on Saturday, April 6, 2024.
AGI income surges on real estate, gaming
Alliance Global Group Inc. (AGI), the holding firm of businessman Andrew L. Tan, said its income last year grew 20 percent to P30.3 billion from the previous year’s P25.18 billion despite the spike in consumer prices.
ACEN secures green term loan facility from SMBC
ACEN Corp.’s subsidiary, ACEN Renewables International (ACRI), signed a $150-million green term loan facility with the Singapore branch of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC) to finance the power firm’s renewable energy (RE) projects across the region.
Eastern Communications hikes capex
Eastern Communications has announced that it is increasing its capital expenditures (capex) to P1.15 billion this year from P1.03 billion the year prior to further expand and strengthen its network.
PERC profit climbs on clean energy
PetroEnergy Resources Corp. (PERC) of the Yuchengco Group saw its net income rise to P944 million last year on the back of the strong electricity sales of its renewable energy (RE) projects.
Residential sales lift 2023 net income of Vista Land
Villar-led property developer Vista Land and Lifescapes Inc. said it posted a net income of P10.29 billion last year, 39 percent higher than P7.39 billion recorded in 2022 mainly due to robust residential sales.