Sugar sector opposes tax hike amid El Niño, pest threats

Inquirer.net - Oct 21, 2026

MANILA, Philippines — The sugar industry is urging the Department of Finance (DOF) to reconsider its proposal to raise the excise tax on sweetened beverages, warning that the increase could further hurt local producers already grappling with pest infestations, El Niño, and other production challenges. On Tuesday, the Philippine Sugar Millers Association Inc. (PSMA) said in a

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MANILA, Philippines — A Department of Energy official said Tuesday that the super El Niño will drive power demand above this year’s levels in 2027. Based on data from the DOE, electricity demand for next year may reach 22,231 megawatts (MW). The figure is significantly stronger than this year’s forecast, which may range from 17,993 MW

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MANILA, Philippines — Increasing costs forced the Department of Agriculture (DA) to delay construction of inspection facilities in strategic areas nationwide to 2027, from the original schedule this year. Under the 2026 national budget, the DA received P1.2 billion to build cold examination facilities in agriculture (CEFAs) in Manila, Subic, and Davao. READ: DA eyes Subic

DTI races to secure trade deals amid China row

Oct 21, 2026

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More MROs coming to Clark airport, says BCDA

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MANILA, Philippines — Lufthansa Technik Philippines will not be the last maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) provider to set up shop at Clark International Airport, as the government is eyeing an agreement with another European company as early as November. Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and CEO Joshua Bingcang said a prospective investor

DOF stands pat on BIR, BOC collection targets

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DOF stands pat on BIR, BOC collection targets

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Finance (DOF) sees no need yet to revisit the government’s tax revenue targets for the year despite the mixed performance of its two main collection agencies, with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) still trailing its goal while the Bureau of Customs (BOC) remains on track. This is according

BSP’s RRR cut plans clouded by inflation pressures

Oct 21, 2026

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Oct 21, 2026

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MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government might opt to sell the Bataan nuclear power plant (BNPP) in Morong, as the Department of Energy (DOE) saw encouraging results in reviving the mothballed facility. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said that aside from disposing of the asset, the government can also take part

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