BSP hikes rates by 50 basis points amid expected inflation, El Niño effects

GMA Network - Oct 22, 2026

The Bangko Sentral on Thursday decided to implement a jumbo rate hike, extending its tightening streak for the fourth straight meeting, as it expects inflation to remain high through 2027.

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CREBA highlights potential implications of proposed LGU cash collection scheme on housing supply

Oct 22, 2026

CREBA highlights potential implications of proposed LGU cash collection scheme on housing supply

The Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’ Associations, Inc. (CREBA) has strongly opposed House Bill No. 9697, warning that the proposed amendments to the Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA) will do exactly the opposite of what they claim to achieve—drastically reducing the production of socialized housing while discouraging private sector investment in residential development.

CREBA welcomes housing reforms, calls for balanced regulation that protects homebuyers while sustaining housing production

Oct 22, 2026

CREBA welcomes housing reforms, calls for balanced regulation that protects homebuyers while sustaining housing production

The Chamber of Real Estate & Builders’ Associations, Inc. (CREBA) recently called on the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to reconsider two regulatory measures that it believes could impose significant financial burdens on property developers and impede housing delivery. The oldest and largest umbrella advocacy group in the housing sector was referring

Starbucks China rolls out buy-before-seating rule after reversing open-door policy in US

Oct 22, 2026

Starbucks China rolls out buy-before-seating rule after reversing open-door policy in US

Starbucks China says it will roll out its “purchase before seating” rule nationwide starting Thursday, with corresponding signs put in stores, following a similar policy it introduced at its North America stores last year. The Seattle-based coffee chain would prioritise helping visitors in need, such as pregnant women and people with limited mobility, and would continue to foster its stores as so-called third places, it said in a statement on Wednesday. The policy has sparked widespread...

BPI debit cards to be temporarily unavailable on October 24

Oct 22, 2026

BPI debit cards to be temporarily unavailable on October 24

Clients of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) will temporarily be unable to use their debit cards during select hours starting early Saturday morning, October 24, as the lender will undergo system maintenance activities.

Hong Kong stocks fall most in 7 months as chance of strong stimulus from Beijing shrinks

Oct 22, 2026

Hong Kong stocks fall most in 7 months as chance of strong stimulus from Beijing shrinks

Sell-offs in Hong Kong stocks deepened on Thursday, with the benchmark gauge capping its steepest decline in seven months, as hopes faded that Beijing would implement more meaningful stimulus policies, following latest economic data indicating the annual growth target was within reach. The Hang Seng Index sank 3 per cent to 22,934.68 at the close, its worst single-day performance since March 23. The Hang Seng Tech Index plunged 5 per cent, finishing at a level not seen in two years. Tencent...

Oil Prices Surge on Saudi Attacks, Raising Risks for Thailand’s Recovery

Oct 22, 2026

Oil Prices Surge on Saudi Attacks, Raising Risks for Thailand’s Recovery

Thailand faces potential increases in transport, manufacturing and tourism costs as businesses continue recovering from flooding

Asia: The Key Challenge for AI Uncertainty in Market Analysis

Oct 22, 2026

Asia: The Key Challenge for AI Uncertainty in Market Analysis

Asia is experiencing significant growth in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, but several pain points contribute to market jitters.

Pinoys embracing AI in customer service — study

Oct 22, 2026

Pinoys embracing AI in customer service — study

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino consumers are warming up to artificial intelligence (AI) in customer service. However, they still want to know when they are dealing with technology rather than a human, according to a new study by technology firm Genesys. The company’s 2026 State of Customer Experience report found that 64 percent of Filipino respondents felt

Peso sinks to new low ahead of BSP policy rate setting

Oct 22, 2026

Peso sinks to new low ahead of BSP policy rate setting

The Philippine peso fell to another record low on Wednesday as expectations of a more hawkish US Federal Reserve (Fed) bolstered the dollar, while investors awaited the next policy move of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The local currency shed 27.1 centavos from its previous finish to end the trading session at 63.361, data

DA stands firm on blocking Vietnam rice shipment

Oct 22, 2026

DA stands firm on blocking Vietnam rice shipment

MANILA, Philippines — Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. firmly stated that the agency’s recent decision to block a rice shipment from Vietnam last month aimed to safeguard the farm sector against illicit transactions. Tiu Laurel said he is exploring legal options, such as filing a case, after weeks of a misinformation campaign seeking to remove

Hotel101 debuts in Africa with P6.44-B Egypt hotel project

Oct 22, 2026

Hotel101 debuts in Africa with P6.44-B Egypt hotel project

MANILA, Philippines — Hotel101 Global, the Nasdaq-listed hospitality subsidiary of DoubleDragon Corp., is positioning itself in Africa by building one of Egypt’s largest hotels, with a project value pegged at P6.44 billion. In a statement on Wednesday, the company said its unit had signed definitive agreements with WNTR Property & Hospitality, an affiliate of Egyptian conglomerate

DOF clears admin order to ease port congestion

Oct 22, 2026

DOF clears admin order to ease port congestion

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Finance (DOF) has signed the long-delayed joint administrative order (JAO) aimed at addressing port congestion, but it has yet to take effect as it awaits approval from other government agencies. Finance Undersecretary Rolando Ligon confirmed to reporters that the DOF had signed the JAO last week. It gave the other

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