Singapore firm invests P180 million in molded parts plant
Singapore firm invests P180 million in molded parts plantMANILA, Philippines — Singapore-based MNEX Pte. Ltd. is pouring in P180 million to manufacture molded parts in Batangas, according to the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). The project will involve the manufacture of molded parts for various industries at the Light Industry and Science Park III–Special Economic Zone in Sto. For the PEZA, the project is expected to strengthen the country’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem. Headquartered in Singapore, MNEX is a precision engineering and advanced manufacturing group specializing in precision tooling, advanced molding, metal machining, automation and contract manufacturing.
Source:Philippine Star
December 29, 2025 16:44 UTC
Philippines, UAE to sign free trade deal
Philippines, UAE to sign free trade dealMANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is set to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in mid-January, a move expected to elevate bilateral relations to new heights. Trade Secretary Cristina Roque told reporters that the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) would take place sometime between January 11 and 14 in the UAE. The CEPA aims to expand bilateral trade and investment opportunities between the Philippines and the UAE. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the UAE was the Philippines’ 18th biggest trading partner, with bilateral trade amounting to $1.83 billion last year. Roque said she is set to meet with companies in the UAE to discuss business opportunities in the Philippines.
Source:Philippine Star
December 29, 2025 16:42 UTC
Man held for jumping onto MRT-3 tracks
Man held for jumping onto MRT-3 tracksMRT-3 security guards manning the Ortigas station were recorded in a viral video running after Eric Valdez. Netizens called him “subway surfer” and “MRT surfer.”MANILA, Philippines — A man was arrested after he jumped onto the tracks of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 last week. MRT-3 security guards manning the Ortigas station were recorded in a viral video running after Eric Valdez. Netizens called him “subway surfer” and “MRT surfer.”Valdez purchased a northbound ticket but upon reaching the platform, he suddenly jumped onto the tracks and ran toward the MRT-3 Shaw Boulevard station. Valdez was brought to the police station.
Source:Philippine Star
December 29, 2025 16:42 UTC
‘Politics, trade woes weigh down growth’
‘Politics, trade woes weigh down growth’Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said geopolitical tensions were among the biggest factors weighing on the economy this year, even as stronger anti-corruption measures have yet to be realized to rebuild investor confidence. Ricafort added that political noise, weather disruptions and earthquakes have been the major catalysts this year, including US President Donald Trump’s higher tariffs, trade wars and protectionist measures. Without these losses, former finance secretary Ralph Recto said the economy could have expanded by as much as six percent. “A budget reenactment is like hitting pause when the economy needs play; it delays projects, slows growth and risks fiscal credibility,” he said. With the expiration of the 2025 General Appropriations Act by Dec. 31, the current budget will be automatically reenacted.
Source:Philippine Star
December 29, 2025 16:42 UTC
Cabral computer readied for forensic examination
Cabral computer readied for forensic examinationOfficials from the DPWH turn over the electronic devices and files of the late Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral to the Office of the Ombudsman on Dec. 23, 2025. Cabral’s computer was turned over by the DPWH to the ombudsman last week following a subpoena. Clavano also belied Leviste’s claim that the Cabral files under his possession have already been reviewed by the ombudsman. Compare copiesLeviste suggested yesterday that it would be best for all concerned if all officials and entities who have copies of the so-called Cabral files compare the contents with each other. “I believe DPWH, Ombudsman, Senator (Panfilo) Lacson, Bilyonaryo and others have copies.
Source:Philippine Star
December 29, 2025 16:42 UTC
Stocks close year in negative territory
Stocks close year in negative territoryThe Philippine Stock Exchange index slipped by 0.21 percent or 12.72 points to close the final trading day of the year at 6,052.92. MANILA, Philippines — The local stock market ended 2025 on a sour note, weighed down by a lack of positive catalysts. The Philippine Stock Exchange index slipped by 0.21 percent or 12.72 points to close the final trading day of the year at 6,052.92. The broader All Shares index, however, inched up by 0.25 percent or 8.58 points to settle at 3,473.24. Most sectors were in the red during yesterday’s session, with mining and oil posting the biggest drop at 1.17 percent.
Source:Philippine Star
December 29, 2025 16:42 UTC
Private hospitals urged to tap capital markets for funding
Private hospitals urged to tap capital markets for funding“The financing needs of the health care sector continue to grow, whether in expanding capacity, upgrading facilities, adopting new technologies, or improving service delivery,” SEC chairperson Francis Lim said. MANILA, Philippines — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is encouraging more private hospitals to tap the capital market for their expansion needs. As of December 2025, a total of 18 private hospitals have registered under SEC HOPES, with a total registered shares value of P19.95 billion and a total issue value of P17.05 billion. With hospitals gaining better access to capital, the SEC aims to address the acute shortage of hospitals in the country. “This is precisely why capital markets must remain open and accessible to all sectors and industries – including health care,” Lim said.
Source:Philippine Star
December 29, 2025 16:42 UTC
Write-off
The running estimates in business circles is that our growth further slowed to only three percent in the fourth quarter. We have a government that is trying to subsist on crafty public relations rather than on substantive economic reform. Our economy’s growth performance is mainly dictated by public spending. When public spending contracts, economic growth slows. Leaks from the co-called “Cabral files” suggest that at least five Cabinet members were involved in the insertions game, along with several other private citizens influential in the Marcos administration.
Source:Philippine Star
December 29, 2025 16:37 UTC
Rain, thunderstorms threaten New Year
Rain, thunderstorms threaten New YearPAGASA said Quezon and Camarines Norte may experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms on New Year’s Eve as the shear line interacts with local weather systems. MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned of scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms across parts of the country during the New Year celebration due to the combined effects of the shear line, the northeast monsoon and the easterlies. PAGASA said Quezon and Camarines Norte may experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms on New Year’s Eve as the shear line interacts with local weather systems. Meanwhile, the Bicol Region, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar and Palawan may see scattered thunderstorms. Metro Manila and other parts of the country could experience isolated rainshowers caused by the easterlies.
Source:Philippine Star
December 29, 2025 16:33 UTC
52% want law creating independent infrastructure probe body
52% want law creating independent infrastructure probe bodyThe Independent Commission for Infrastructure, made up of Rogelio Singson, Rossana Fajardo and chairman Andres Reyes, start looking into anomalies in flood control and other infrastructure projects at the DPWH main office in Manila yesterday. MANILA, Philippines — A majority of Filipinos support the immediate passage of a law that will create a “fully empowered” body tasked to investigate alleged corruption in infrastructure projects, according to a recent Pulse Asia survey. The survey, conducted from Dec. 12 to 15, found that 52 percent of the respondents agreed that Congress “should immediately pass a law creating a fully empowered Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption (ICAIC).”If enacted, the ICAIC will replace the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) created by President Marcos through an executive order. Only 35 percent of respondents from Mindanao support the legislation for a “fully empowered” ICAIC, with 24 percent saying they disagree and 41 percent undecided. Pulse Asia’s fourth quarter survey had 1,200 respondents and a margin of error of plus/minus 2.8 percent.
Source:Philippine Star
December 29, 2025 16:33 UTC
Diesel, kerosene prices up today; gasoline steady
Diesel, kerosene prices up today; gasoline steadyIn separate advisories yesterday, Petron Corp., Jetti Petroleum Inc. and Seaoil Philippines said they will implement a P0.60 per liter increase for diesel. MANILA, Philippines — Prices of diesel and kerosene are set to go up as the year draws to a close, reflecting global price movements. In separate advisories yesterday, Petron Corp., Jetti Petroleum Inc. and Seaoil Philippines said they will implement a P0.60 per liter increase for diesel. Petron and Seaoil said they are also set to raise kerosene prices by P0.60 per liter. “The adjustments reflect the movement on prices of refined fuel products, freight and market premiums in the international market,” Jetti said.
Source:Philippine Star
December 29, 2025 16:33 UTC
Blue Ribbon leads inquiry into flood control mess
Blue Ribbon leads inquiry into flood control messMANILA, Philippines — What started as a Senate Blue Ribbon committee (BRC) investigation on the top 15 flood control contractors earlier flagged by President Marcos has turned into a highly publicized trial against massive corruption in the government’s infrastructure projects. The DPWH engineers admitted to gambling away their illegal proceeds to launder their dirty money. DPWH engineers named Sens. Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva as having endorsed flood control projects. Ramon Revilla Jr. shrugged off the claim, even as Bernardo’s most detailed portion in his affidavit concerned the former senator, alleging that he personally delivered to their Cavite mansion boxes containing flood control kickbacks that bankrolled Revilla’s (failed) midterm reelection.
Source:Philippine Star
December 29, 2025 16:33 UTC
Philippines opens limited route tapping Mongolian market
Philippines opens limited route tapping Mongolian marketMANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is opening a new tourism front in Central and North Asia with the arrival of its first charter flight from Mongolia. A special charter flight operated by Hunnu Air touched down at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 at 7:20 a.m. on December 26, carrying 126 passengers, most of them Mongolian nationals. Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said the charter flight aligns with the administration's push to diversify visitor markets beyond the traditional sources. It is also a push for air connectivity as a key driver of tourism growth. "With no direct commercial flight route between the two countries, Mongolian travelers transit through third countries, often requiring additional visas, to reach the Philippines," the DOT said.
Source:Philippine Star
December 29, 2025 16:29 UTC
PNP deploys over 56,000 police for New Year's Eve
PNP deploys over 56,000 police for New Year's EveMembers of the Manila Police District (MPD) prepare for deployment at their headquarters in Ermita, Manila on Jan. 3, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — More than 56,000 policemen were deployed for the celebration of New Year’s Eve, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said. In a statement on Monday, December 29, the PNP said that a total of 56,785 personnel have been deployed nationwide. The PNP also said that it seized 79,953 pieces of illegal firecrackers, valued at approximately P1,224,909 as of December 28. In addition to regulating firecrackers, the PNP has increased the number of checkpoints and patrols to discourage crime and maintain road safety during the holiday travel surge.
Source:Philippine Star
December 29, 2025 16:27 UTC
Pinoys most thankful for good health in 2025 – SWS
Pinoys most thankful for good health in 2025 – SWSShoppers purchase New Year-themed decorations at Divisoria in Manila on December 28, 2025 in preparation for the coming celebration. MANILA, Philippines — Like in previous years, most Filipinos are thankful for good health this Christmas season, a survey by Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed. The survey, conducted from Nov. 24 to 30, found that 45 percent of the respondents were thankful for good health this Christmas and New Year. The survey respondents were given an open-ended question and were allowed to give up to two answers. One percent or less answered having no worries or problems, having a house, having good friends, surviving an illness or tragedy and having a love life or spouse.
Source:Philippine Star
December 29, 2025 14:47 UTC