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Twenty-five years after its enactment, the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001 is facing scrutiny over its relevance. The law, intended to address power crises, has been criticized for failing to achieve its goals, fostering an oligopoly instead of a free market, and enabling consumer overcharging due to regulatory failures by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
The Federation of Japanese Chambers of Commerce and Industry in ASEAN (FJCCIA) proposed deepening 'co-creation partnerships' with ASEAN nations to achieve the 2045 vision, addressing challenges like protectionism and supply chain disruptions. Focus areas include resilient supply chains, green economy, digital transformation, and human capital development.
Investor relations (IR) in the Philippines must move beyond domestic market boundaries and embrace global connectivity due to increasing globalization. The SharePHIL IR Circle aims to foster a two-way exchange where Filipino IR professionals gain international insights and share unique Philippine experiences.
Smuggled cigarettes valued at P14 million were seized from a motorized boat in Zamboanga City. The crew fled upon sensing the police presence. The contraband was turned over to the Bureau of Customs.
Smart Communications, a major Philippine telecom, has launched "AI.Smart," a prepaid AI tool to democratize access to artificial intelligence. Priced from PHP49 for seven days, it challenges mainstream AI subscriptions costing over PHP300 monthly, targeting students and freelancers facing inflation.
The Philippines' coconut development plan faces funding gaps due to limited operational budgets and underutilized allocations, hindering its implementation. Market linkages and farmer enterprise development remain key weaknesses.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the Philippines is enhancing financial reporting quality and integrity by mandating audits for government contractors and raising qualification standards for external auditors, thereby strengthening the protection of public funds and investors' money.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is exploring the use of artificial intelligence and international best practices to enhance its response capabilities for hostage-taking and other high-risk emergencies. This initiative aims to address the evolving security landscape and support swift, accurate decision-making.
Filipino fintech firm PayMongo aims to achieve four times its revenue of last year by 2026. With its monthly merchant base approaching 11,000, the company is diversifying revenue streams beyond payment processing fees to include subscription services and solutions for larger enterprises.
Southeastern College-Pasay has joined the PHINMA Education NCR Network as part of efforts to strengthen the education sector in the Philippines. This move is expected to expand educational opportunities for students across Metro Manila.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has secured an exemption from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) spending ban for its programs aimed at mitigating the impact of soaring fuel prices, ensuring continued support for public transport drivers and operators.
Classes were suspended in two schools in Negros Occidental, Philippines, following an online threat posted on Facebook. Local officials are investigating the incident, urging residents to remain calm while ensuring the safety of students and teachers.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines is considering deploying a new Army unit to Palawan to bolster the protection of the country's sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea. This initiative is part of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) and aims for a long-term expansion of Army coverage.
Philippine digital finance firm Billease has elected former central bank deputy governor Eduardo Bobier to its board as an independent director, strengthening its governance as it prepares to launch savings and deposit accounts.
The Philippine stock market declined for the third consecutive session due to concerns over the country's third-quarter economic growth prospects. Delays in public infrastructure and tepid household spending are cited as factors that could dampen growth, worsening market sentiment.
Midas Bags, Shoes, Leather Repair and Restoration, a specialist in luxury leather goods repair and restoration, has opened its flagship store at SM North EDSA in Quezon City, Metro Manila. The opening was attended by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, who highlighted support for SMEs and post-pandemic economic recovery. The company caters to a consumer trend of extending the lifespan of high-value items.
Toyota Motor Philippines forecasts the country's vehicle sales to reach 600,000 units annually by 2030, recovering from a projected dip this year due to the Middle East crisis. Electrified vehicles (xEVs) are seeing a surge in demand amidst high fuel costs.
The Philippines' Department of Agriculture is exploring the use of millet as a substitute for corn in animal feed. This drought-tolerant grain, which requires less water, is expected to reduce livestock production costs and mitigate risks from weather-related disruptions in feed supply.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in the Philippines has decentralized the approval of foreign travel requests for local government unit (LGU) officials and employees, transferring authority to regional and provincial offices. This aims to streamline the process.
Two police officers in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, were arrested for allegedly shooting a man. Colleagues apprehended the suspects following a report from a concerned citizen. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the incident.
Over 20,000 teaching positions in the Philippines' Department of Education (DepEd) remain vacant, a lawmaker revealed during budget deliberations. This raises concerns about educational quality and teacher workload.
Quezon's 'Sunggod Teh Kamanga' festival was awarded Best Cultural Festival at Bukidnon's Pagdayaw: A Night of Tourism, Culture, and Arts Excellence. The festival celebrates the traditions and culture of the Manobo tribe, fostering community unity.
The defense's argument that Philippine law does not mandate dividend declarations has inadvertently strengthened the prosecution's case in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, prosecutors stated. They argue this highlights that declared businesses are not the source of her net worth increase. Meanwhile, GenCorp., linked to Duterte, secured government contracts during her vice presidency.
The Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) has urged private companies to implement precautionary measures to protect workers from the threat of poor air quality, as mandated by Labor Advisory No. 15.
The European Union and the Philippines announced a 'substantial agreement' in their long-stalled free trade deal talks, marking a significant breakthrough that is expected to bolster economic ties between the two blocs.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed openness to a proposal requiring social media platforms to obtain congressional franchises before operating in the country, if deemed beneficial for public safety.
The impeachment court in the Philippines has served a subpoena to Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte to appear as a prosecution witness in the impeachment trial of his sister, Vice President Sara Duterte. Senate Sergeant-at-Arms personnel delivered the subpoena in Davao City.
A division chief from the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGeps) has been presented as a new witness in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, with the prosecution aiming to scrutinize her alleged corporate ties.
A corporation linked to Vice President Sara Duterte has been awarded 49 government contracts totaling P35.8 million in the Davao Region, primarily for food services, according to the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS).
The Philippines is advocating for coordinated international efforts to tackle its escalating plastic and waste problem, a significant issue impacting marine pollution and public health.
The Visayas grid in the Philippines has been placed on red alert due to tight power supply and high demand, prompting the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) to warn of potential power interruptions. This situation arises from coal plant outages, impacting the region's electricity stability.
The Philippine Senate has begun deliberations on a bill to remove the 'system loss' charge from consumer electricity bills. Many senators support the measure, aiming to reduce the burden on citizens and enhance transparency in power supply.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is encouraging young people to actively seek assistance when facing bullying, harassment, or issues affecting their well-being, as part of early intervention efforts to ensure school safety.
Rep. Gerville Luistro of Batangas's Second District has been named the lead prosecutor for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte by the House of Representatives. Luistro will lead the prosecution team's direct examination of a witness from the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGeps).
Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte‘s statement downplaying his city government’s contracts with Gencorp is seen by the prosecution as a potential “smoking gun,” strengthening the need for him to testify.
Detained Senator Rodante Marcoleta explained the perceived silence of his religious sect, Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC), on his imprisonment, stating it reflects respect for due process and a test of faith. The INC had endorsed Marcoleta's senatorial bid.