Manila Times

Alex Eala Makes Wimbledon History With First Career Main Draw Seeding

Filipina tennis player Alex Eala has secured her first Wimbledon main draw seeding after reaching the Berlin Open semifinals. The 19-year-old’s breakthrough marks a milestone for Philippine tennis and raises her international profile ahe...

Construction Sector Posts Strong Double-Digit Growth Under National Infrastructure Programme

The Philippine Statistics Authority reports more than 13,600 active construction projects in April, reflecting continued expansion under the government’s infrastructure programme and sustained private sector development activity.

Authorities Intensify Crackdown on Online Child Sexual Abuse Material Networks

Philippine law enforcement agencies have stepped up operations against the spread of online child sexual exploitation material. Officials say enhanced digital tracking tools are being deployed amid growing international concern over the ...

Fuel Prices Expected to Drop by Nearly Ten Pesos per Litre in Major Relief for Consumers

Analysts expect domestic fuel prices to fall by as much as 9.50 pesos per litre next week. The anticipated rollback is expected to ease pressure on transport operators and help temper inflationary costs for households.

Court of Appeals Reinstates Camarines Norte Governor Ricarte Padilla After Ombudsman Ruling Reversed

The Court of Appeals has overturned a dismissal order issued by the Office of the Ombudsman against Camarines Norte Governor Ricarte Padilla. The ruling restores him to office and highlights ongoing tensions between elected officials and...

Cebu City Ordered to Shut Waste Facility at South Road Properties Over Environmental Concerns

Environmental regulators have ordered the immediate closure of a waste management facility at Cebu City’s South Road Properties. Local authorities are now required to identify alternative disposal solutions to prevent potential public he...

Megaworld to Open Largest Hotel Property in Iloilo to Boost Regional Tourism Capacity

Megaworld Corporation is preparing to open its largest hotel in Iloilo City, expanding the region’s capacity to host major conventions and business events. The development is part of efforts to decentralise tourism growth beyond Metro Ma...

Philippine National Police Reports Over 5,000 High-Value Drug Suspect Arrests Under Marcos Administration

Police authorities say more than 5,000 high-value drug suspects have been arrested since the start of the Marcos administration. The campaign is focused on dismantling major trafficking networks through intelligence-led operations.

Cebu Landmasters Expands Nationwide After Record Revenue Growth

Cebu Landmasters has announced a major expansion plan across residential and commercial developments following strong revenue performance. The company is targeting growth beyond its Visayas base into new urban centres across the Philippi...

Philippines Named Top Global Retirement Destination and Rises in Muslim-Friendly Tourism Ranking

International tourism assessments have ranked the Philippines as the world’s leading retirement destination and placed it fifth among non-Islamic countries for Muslim-friendly travel. The results reflect the country’s expanding tourism d...

Green Building Standards Become Baseline Requirement in Metro Manila Office Market

Sustainability certifications and energy-efficient design have become standard requirements in Metro Manila’s office real estate sector. Multinational companies and BPO firms are increasingly aligning building requirements with global en...

Science and Technology Summit Pushes Digital Infrastructure Expansion in the Philippines

The Department of Science and Technology has convened international experts at the ASTICON summit to advance plans for scaling domestic digital infrastructure. The discussions focus on strengthening innovation capacity and improving nati...

Philippines Exceeds 2.9 Million Foreign Tourist Arrivals as US Remains Top Source Market

The Philippines recorded more than 2.9 million foreign tourist arrivals in the first half of the year, with the United States remaining the largest source market. The figures point to continued recovery in the tourism sector following su...

Philippine and Australian Forces Conclude Kasangga Military Exercises in Camarines Sur

Philippine and Australian forces have completed joint Kasangga exercises focused on urban combat and disaster response. The drills form part of expanding defence cooperation between Manila and Canberra in Southeast Asia.

Bangko Sentral Extends Salary Loan Repayment Period to Seven Years to Ease Borrower Pressure

The Philippine central bank has extended the maximum repayment period for salary loans from five to seven years. The move is intended to reduce monthly financial strain on borrowers and support consumer spending in a high-interest enviro...

Philippines Expands Waste-to-Energy Target to 400 Megawatts to Address Power and Waste Pressures

The Department of Energy has raised its national waste-to-energy capacity target to 400 megawatts. The policy aims to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels while addressing growing municipal solid waste challenges.

Philippines Allocates Three Billion Pesos for Overseas Worker Repatriation Amid Global Risks

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved an additional three billion pesos to support the repatriation of overseas Filipino workers from conflict-affected regions. The funding expands government assistance for a key labour sector that...

Severe Tropical Storm Francisco Prompts Large-Scale Disaster Response Across the Philippines

Authorities have mobilised nearly five million relief packs as Severe Tropical Storm Francisco, combined with the southwest monsoon, threatens widespread flooding across several regions. Disaster agencies warn of potential damage to agri...

Philippines Posts 131 Million Dollar Balance of Payments Surplus After Four-Month Deficit Run

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas recorded a 131 million dollar surplus in May, ending four consecutive months of deficits. The improvement was supported by strong remittance inflows and steady foreign direct investment, helping keep reser...

Philippines Fast-Tracks Tax Incentives to Attract AI and Semiconductor Investments

The Department of Finance has moved to accelerate tax incentive approvals aimed at attracting investment in artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing. The policy is designed to position the Philippines within shifting globa...

Twenty-Four Filipino Workers Return Home After Nine-Month Detention in Russia

Twenty-four Filipinos have arrived in Manila after being detained for nine months in Russia, following diplomatic discussions involving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a recent summit in Kazan.

International Criminal Court Sets Trial Framework for Duterte Crimes Against Humanity Investigation

The International Criminal Court has established procedural steps for its ongoing investigation into alleged crimes against humanity linked to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign. The move increases legal pressure despi...

Philippine and United States Forces Conclude Joint Exercises in West Philippine Sea

Philippine and US military forces have completed joint maritime exercises in the West Philippine Sea, focusing on coordinated operations in contested waters. The drills underscore continued alliance commitments under the Mutual Defense T...

Japan Ratifies Defense Pact With Philippines Allowing Troop Deployments and Joint Training

Japan has formally ratified a reciprocal access agreement with the Philippines that allows for troop deployments and expanded joint military exercises. The deal strengthens defence ties between Tokyo, Manila and Washington amid rising te...

Philippines Senate Elects Sherwin Gatchalian as New President in Key Leadership Shift

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has been elected Senate President, prompting expectations from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the swift resumption of legislative work. The leadership change is seen as pivotal for advancing administration-...

Ayala Healthcare Brings Japanese Pharmaceutical Products to Philippine Market

Ayala Healthcare Holdings has partnered with Japan’s Taisho Pharmaceutical to distribute over-the-counter and wellness products in the Philippines. The agreement expands access to international pharmaceutical brands for local consumers.

Ateneo de Manila University Forms Task Force to Reform Athletics Programme After Internal Issues

Ateneo de Manila University has created a task force to review and reform its athletics system following recent controversies. The initiative aims to improve governance and restore accountability within collegiate sports programmes.

Maya and MediaQuest Launch Campaign to Combat Online Scams Targeting Digital Banking Users

Digital payments firm Maya has partnered with MediaQuest to promote media literacy and awareness of online scams. The campaign responds to rising fraud targeting users of the country’s expanding digital financial services sector.

Twenty-Four Overseas Filipino Workers Repatriated From Russia Arrive in Manila

Twenty-four overseas Filipino workers repatriated from Russia are set to arrive in Manila following coordinated diplomatic efforts. The return highlights continued consular support operations for distressed Filipino workers abroad.

Customs Bureau Donates Seized Containers to Support Earthquake Relief in Mindanao

The Bureau of Customs will donate 12 containers of forfeited goods to communities affected by recent earthquakes in Mindanao. The move is part of ongoing government efforts to support disaster response and recovery.

PLDT and Meralco Partner on Integrated Broadband and Solar Energy Services

PLDT Inc. and the Manila Electric Company have formed a partnership to offer bundled broadband and solar energy solutions. The initiative targets rising demand for connected and energy-efficient residential services.

Ayala Corporation Raises Stake in Ayala Land to Strengthen Real Estate Portfolio

Ayala Corporation has increased its ownership in Ayala Land, reinforcing confidence in the long-term recovery of the Philippine property sector. The move signals continued consolidation within the group’s core real estate business.

Colliers Reports Strong Demand for Leisure Properties in Southern Luzon Driven by Domestic Tourism

Colliers Philippines says leisure-focused residential and commercial developments south of Metro Manila are seeing rising demand, supported by strong domestic tourism spending. The trend reflects shifting lifestyle preferences in the pos...

A Brown Company Secures SEC Approval for Up to 12 Billion Peso Bond Programme

The Securities and Exchange Commission has approved a shelf registration for A Brown Company’s fixed-rate bond programme worth up to 12 billion pesos. The issuance will help fund expansion in the firm’s property and energy businesses.

Overseas Filipino Workers Remittance Growth Slows to 2.8 Percent in First Quarter

Cash remittances from overseas Filipino workers grew by 2.8 percent in the first quarter, according to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas data. The slower pace raises concerns about the strength of one of the country’s key consumption drivers a...

Philippines and Russia Plan Direct Flights to Boost Tourism and Aviation Links

Manila and Moscow are working on establishing direct commercial flights, including potential routes linking Irkutsk and Kalibo. The plan is expected to support tourism growth and increase international visitor arrivals to the Philippines.

Philippines Ships Guimaras Mangoes to Spain in First Test Export for European Market Expansion

The Philippines has sent a test shipment of premium Guimaras mangoes to Spain as part of efforts to expand agricultural exports to Europe. The initiative is aimed at opening new high-value markets for Philippine farmers and exporters.

Budget Department Reports 86 Percent Fund Release Rate to Accelerate Infrastructure Spending

The Department of Budget and Management said it has released 86 percent of the national budget as of May, supporting the government’s infrastructure and development programmes. The high disbursement rate is intended to speed up project i...

Mindanao Earthquake Disrupts Tuna Supply Chains but Leaves National Economic Outlook Stable

A recent earthquake in Mindanao has disrupted logistics and supply chains tied to the region’s tuna export industry. Despite the impact on local operations, economic planners say the broader national macroeconomic outlook remains unchanged.

Philippines Pursues Double Taxation Treaties With Seven Countries to Attract Investment

The Department of Finance is negotiating double taxation agreements with seven countries across Asia and Europe. The initiative aims to reduce cross-border tax burdens, encourage foreign investment, and support job creation in key domest...

Mynt Secures Approval to File for Initial Public Offering in Boost for Philippine Fintech Sector

Regulators have approved Mynt Inc., the parent company of GCash, to file for an initial public offering with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Philippine Stock Exchange. The planned listing underscores growing investor inter...

Bangko Sentral Urged to Maintain Tight Monetary Policy to Anchor Inflation Expectations

Oxford Economics has called on the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to maintain its tight monetary stance, saying further interest rate increases may be needed to keep inflation expectations under control. The advisory comes as policymakers c...

Severe Tropical Storm Francisco Approaches Philippine Area of Responsibility, PAGASA Warns of Heavy Rainfall

The Philippine weather bureau is tracking Severe Tropical Storm Francisco, which is expected to intensify the southwest monsoon and bring heavy rainfall across parts of Metro Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao. Authorities have warned of poss...

Marcos Signals Openness to Nuclear Energy Cooperation With Russia at Kazan Summit

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Philippines is open to exploring nuclear energy cooperation with Russia during discussions on the sidelines of the ASEAN–Russia commemorative summit in Kazan. The talks focused on diversifying the ...

GCash Operator Mynt Moves Toward Initial Public Offering After Board Approval

Mynt Inc., the operator of the GCash platform, has secured board approval to proceed with filings for an initial public offering with regulators and the Philippine Stock Exchange. The move sets the stage for one of the most closely watch...

World Bank Lowers Philippine Growth Outlook Citing Inflation Pressures and Weakening Consumption

The World Bank has trimmed its gross domestic product growth projections for the Philippines to 3.7 percent this year and 5.6 percent by 2028. It cited elevated interest rates, global trade uncertainty, and softer domestic consumption as...

Philippine Treasury Raises Two Point Five Billion Dollars in Offshore Bond Sale to Fund Budget and Infrastructure

The Bureau of the Treasury successfully raised 2.5 billion dollars through a triple-tranche US dollar bond offering, spanning five-and-a-half-year, 10-year, and 25-year maturities. The proceeds will support national budget requirements a...

Philippine Government Maintains Defensive Posture as Marcos Reaffirms Security Alliances Amid South China Sea Tensions

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reiterated that the Philippines will continue strengthening defence cooperation with the United States and other allies while maintaining that all military engagements remain defensive in nature. The statem...