Foreign business groups in the Philippines are strongly advocating for tax certainty to improve the investment climate and competitiveness. They emphasize the need for clear implementation of tax guidelines on cross-border services (RMC 5-2024) to enhance predictability in corporate operations.
A migratory Pied heron has been spotted at the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, potentially marking the first documented record of the species in the Philippines. A team of biodiversity experts successfully photographed the bird.
The Bureau of Customs seized approximately P292.4 million worth of suspected shabu in a shipment container originating from Afghanistan at the Manila International Container Port. About 43 kilograms of methamphetamine were discovered hidden in containers falsely declared as "talc stones."
Three individuals were killed in separate shooting incidents across the Calabarzon region this week. The perpetrators remain unidentified, and motives are currently unknown, raising concerns about local security.
PhilCare, a leading HMO in the Philippines, has partnered with Hi-Precision Diagnostics to launch "Precision Care," a tech-enabled healthcare product. This aims to offer affordable, integrated emergency medical coverage and diagnostic services across the nation.
Valenzuela City in the Philippines is constructing a massive underground water catchment basin capable of storing 5,000 cubic meters of rainwater to combat flooding along MacArthur Highway. This marks the city's first such facility, aiming to mitigate the impact of floods on citizens' lives through infrastructure development.
Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC), a major Philippine property developer, plans to increase the share of its investment portfolio in its revenue mix to 80% within the next two years, focusing on recurring income-generating businesses like malls, offices, hotels, and logistics.
Three suspects, including an 18-year-old and two minors, have been charged with homicide in connection with the killing of a 16-year-old Grade 11 student in Quezon City. The incident reportedly stemmed from a street fight.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has filed a tax evasion case with the Department of Justice against Hongsheng Gaming Technology Inc., an offshore gaming operator, for alleged tax deficiencies amounting to P2.23 billion. The company is accused of underdeclaring income and misreporting value-added tax (VAT) liabilities.
Japan Tobacco International (JTI) Philippines urged ASEAN nations to harmonize their regulations to combat illicit tobacco trade. While the Philippines has seen success with its "destination principle," the lack of similar rules in other countries puts the entire region at risk.
SM Warehouses, a unit of SM Prime Holdings, is expanding its logistics and warehouse operations nationwide in response to surging demand. The growth is largely driven by increased e-commerce adoption among the younger demographic, fueling the need for urban last-mile hubs and regional warehouses.
An ambush in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur, resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to another. The victims were traveling in a pickup truck towards Cotabato City when they were targeted. Local authorities are investigating the incident.
A couple perished in a predawn market fire in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, Philippines. The blaze reportedly originated from a fuel store and rapidly consumed commercial stalls. Authorities are investigating the cause.
A survey by the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) reveals a muted business outlook for Q4 2024, citing a slow economy and weak peso. However, businesses are optimistic about recovery in 2027, anticipating boosts from election-related spending and potential resolution of geopolitical issues.
Singapore-based Sembcorp Industries is exploring the potential development of an industrial park in New Clark City, Philippines. The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) anticipates the firm replicating its successful model from Vietnam in the country.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) wrote off P2.8 billion in past-due loans in 2025 as part of a balance sheet cleanup. This move significantly reduced long-standing legacy exposures, allowing the central bank to refocus on its lender-of-last-resort function.
A court stenographer in Tarlac, Philippines, has been dismissed for grave misconduct after allegedly defrauding an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) of P250,000 by providing a fake annulment ruling. The Supreme Court ordered her dismissal and disqualification from government reemployment.
The Department of Health reports that 362,793 children in the Bicol region have been vaccinated against measles and rubella, achieving over 56% of the target for the ongoing supplemental vaccination program in Luzon. This figure was recorded nine days after the program's launch.
Kerwin Max Tan, Chief Financial, Risk and Compliance Officer of Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC), has been honored as CFO of the Year at the Asia Business Leader Awards in Singapore. Tan has been instrumental in RLC's financial strategies since 2016, contributing to the company's growth and market position.
The Philippine government is on track to meet its fiscal deficit target for 2026, with the deficit-to-GDP ratio projected at 5.45 percent, the lowest since the administration's start. This reflects successful fiscal discipline, with further reductions anticipated by 2030.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) in the Philippines announced a four-month extension for the suspension of the Green Energy Auction Allowance (GEA-All) collection until December, aiming to alleviate the burden on households facing rising inflation and living costs. Consumers will not be billed for GEA-All charges until then.
A magnitude 5.2 earthquake, identified as an aftershock of a major tremor two months prior, struck Sarangani province and its surrounding areas, with tremors felt across the region.
An anti-corruption and civic watchdog, SAVE Kalinga Inc., is urging the Philippine government to halt the construction of a hydropower plant in Kalinga, citing concerns over indigenous peoples' rights and environmental impact. The group highlights the lack of genuine consensus among affected communities and calls for the revocation of project permits.
Calabarzon, Philippines – Heavy rains from the enhanced southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, have caused widespread flooding, displacing 2,947 families in the Calabarzon region. The situation continues to impact local communities.
The town of Nasugbu in Batangas, Philippines, resumed its outdoor tourism and recreational activities on Thursday after a one-day suspension due to unfavorable weather conditions, the municipal tourism office announced. This includes activities such as mountain trekking and guided tours.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Mimaropa, Philippines, has intensified its aid response, with the southwest monsoon and Tropical Depression Neneng impacting over 292,000 individuals across four provinces. Assistance, including food and shelter, is being provided to affected barangays.
The Presidential Palace has released a shortlist of 39 potential sites for the construction of large rain-detention structures aimed at alleviating perennial flooding in the National Capital Region (NCR), signaling a step forward in addressing the long-standing issue.
Classes at Tampakan National High School in South Cotabato were abruptly suspended due to online "shooting threats" against teachers. Police have heightened campus security as authorities coordinate a response.
The Philippines' Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a warning that extremist groups are targeting minors through violent online games, recruiting and indoctrinating them with extremist ideologies. Law enforcement agencies are actively tracking these recruitment activities.
The Philippine presidential palace has ordered law enforcement agencies to pursue charges against the masterminds behind alleged fabricated testimonies of witnesses in the government's probe into a flood control scandal, urging swift investigation and prosecution.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced the suspension of the number coding scheme on Friday, August 21, in observance of Ninoy Aquino Day, a special nonworking holiday. This suspension allows vehicles normally restricted by the scheme to travel freely on this day.
Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez's lawyer is seeking the dismissal of graft charges against him, citing inconsistencies in witness testimonies and a lack of forensic or documentary evidence.
Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado has ordered the strengthening of security measures in all schools across the province following a shooting incident at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School campus in Zamboanga City. Increased police visibility and patrols have been mandated.
The province of Bulacan in the Philippines has been placed under a state of calamity due to massive flooding caused by weeks of heavy rainfall. This declaration aims to expedite disaster response and recovery efforts.
Orly Guteza, former security aide of ex-lawmaker Zaldy Co, recanted his affidavit claiming he delivered cash to former Speaker Martin Romualdez. He admitted his false testimony was driven by fear and "sweet promises," expressing a desire for a quiet life.
Orly Guteza, a former aide to congressman Zaldy Co, has retracted his corruption allegations against House Speaker Martin Romualdez. This retraction casts doubt on the Ombudsman's case against Romualdez, highlighting internal political maneuvering.