DBP: COA findings on contractor loans already addressed

GMA Network - Oct 14, 2026

The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) on Wednesday maintained that it had “satisfactorily addressed” audit findings on its contractor lending program, after state auditors flagged P4.09 billion in past-due loans under the Build, Build, Build program.

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Going Global 100: China’s overseas growth champions

Oct 14, 2026

Going Global 100: China’s overseas growth champions

Chinese companies are surging overseas, taking advantage of robust supply chains and technological prowess to win sales in countries offering bigger margins than the saturated domestic market. ByteDance, Shein and BYD are among the major players opening factories, sales centres or research hubs internationally in a bid to win customers worldwide. The SCMP Plus 2026 Going Global 100 tracks the leaders in this overseas push, and breaks down the strategic Chuhai or “going global” wave. Explore the...

Sluggish Chinese demand weighs on LVMH, as Louis Vuitton’s Molly Tea case casts a shadow

Oct 14, 2026

Sluggish Chinese demand weighs on LVMH, as Louis Vuitton’s Molly Tea case casts a shadow

The world’s largest luxury group LVMH said Asia, excluding Japan, was the only region to suffer falling sales in the third quarter ending September and the biggest drag was a mid-teens slowdown in Chinese demand, amid a less buoyant macroeconomic environment. The Louis Vuitton, Dior, Bvlgari and Fendi’s parent group said Asia took a hit from a sharp macro-led deterioration in Chinese consumer sentiment, with tangible impact on discretionary expenses, the group said during an earnings call...

Spotlight on Hong Kong as APEC finance ministers gather to discuss region’s economic future

Oct 14, 2026

Spotlight on Hong Kong as APEC finance ministers gather to discuss region’s economic future

[The content of this article has been produced by our advertising partner.] Hong Kong will be able to flex its growing strength and influence as a major international financial centre when the city stages the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2026 Finance Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) for the first time, from October 20 to 21. For the city’s Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po, it is an opportunity to “showcase Hong Kong’s comprehensive development in the economic, financial and social...

SMPC questions highest-bid rule in Semirara coal mine auction

Oct 14, 2026

SMPC questions highest-bid rule in Semirara coal mine auction

Consunji-led Semirara Mining and Power Corporation (SMPC) has criticized what it described as a sudden change in the bidding rules for the Semirara Island coal mines, saying the new guidelines prioritize the highest financial offer over technical capability and mining experience.

What will it take for AI-powered purchases to become the norm?

Oct 14, 2026

What will it take for AI-powered purchases to become the norm?

Anyone who has spent time on the internet researching goods and doing lengthy price comparisons will be intrigued by developments in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for agentic commerce. This new form of online shopping involves AI-powered agents – autonomous software systems that use reasoning, memory and external tools to complete multi-step tasks across different sites and platforms on their own. They can carry out each stage of the buying process, from the initial search to comparing...

House approves Cebu Pacific's 50-year franchise

Oct 14, 2026

House approves Cebu Pacific's 50-year franchise

House approves Cebu Pacific's 50-year franchise to operate

DA eyes bigger ube exports as global demand surges

Oct 14, 2026

DA eyes bigger ube exports as global demand surges

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is ramping up purple yam (ube) production in Cagayan Valley to unlock more export opportunities amid surging global demand. Through its regional office in Cagayan Valley, the DA initially targets 100 hectares of farmland in Isabela for ube production and plans to expand to 500 hectares by

PCA taps sustainability group to boost coconut farming

Oct 14, 2026

PCA taps sustainability group to boost coconut farming

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) has partnered with the Sustainable Coconut Partnership (SCP) to improve coconut farming in Davao and the Bicol Region. Both parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a framework focusing on farm productivity and sustainable agricultural practices, providing long-term economic opportunities for coconut farmers and their

PH growth seen lagging Asian peers, IMF says

Oct 14, 2026

PH growth seen lagging Asian peers, IMF says

MANILA, Philippines — The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said the Philippines will likely lag behind most of its emerging and developing Asian peers this year as policymakers struggle to control inflation without further slowing economic growth. In its latest World Economic Outlook, released Tuesday, the Washington-based lender cut its 2026 growth forecast for the Philippines

DEPDev rolls out 6-year provincial planning framework

Oct 14, 2026

DEPDev rolls out 6-year provincial planning framework

MANILA, Philippines — Provincial governments will adopt six-year development plans under a new framework rolled out by the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) to align local development priorities, public investments, and budgets. Launched on Tuesday, the Provincial Development Planning (ProvDP) Framework will guide provinces in setting their desired development outcomes, sector goals and

Study: AI boom gives PH chance to catch up in chip race

Oct 14, 2026

Study: AI boom gives PH chance to catch up in chip race

MANILA, Philippines — The global boom in artificial intelligence (AI) could give the Philippines a chance to narrow its gap with faster-growing Asian semiconductor exporters, as rising demand for advanced chips and more diversified supply chains open the door to new investments. That is according to logistics giant FedEx and Frost & Sullivan, which, in a

PH FDI net inflows hit 6-month high $689M in July

Oct 14, 2026

PH FDI net inflows hit 6-month high $689M in July

MANILA, Philippines — Net foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to the Philippines rose to a six-month high in July, though investor sentiment remained subdued amid economic uncertainties at home and abroad. Latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed FDI inflows outpaced outflows by $689 million during the month, the highest since January’s net

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