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The Philippines plans to change the way it prices local-currency bonds by removing the impact of withholding tax, a shift that may saddle some existing investors in the nation’s $230 billion market with losses, according to people familiar with the matter. The overhaul will be done in two stages, with the first expected by the end of the year, said the people who asked not to be identified because they are not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

ONLY 18% of Philippine companies have begun adjusting their office portfolios for artificial intelligence (AI) despite 79% expecting the technology to significantly reshape corporate strategy over the next three to five years, according to a JLL survey. JLL Philippines Head of Research and Advisory Janlo de los Reyes said the findings point to a “large disconnect” between companies’ recognition of AI’s potential and action on their corporate real estate (CRE) strategies.

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said it is ready for the enactment of the government’s tax relief proposals, aided by modernized systems and simplified compliance. “In his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. outlined a clear tax reform agenda. The BIR supports this direction and stands ready to faithfully and efficiently implement the measures that Congress may enact,” BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza said in a statement on Thursday.

THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said the Pax Silica initiative will help the Philippines bridge its digital divide, lending support to its own efforts to improve connectivity. “This project is really important, because it is part of our Philippine AI master plan that will help complement the digital connectivity plan of the Philippines, it is important that we put in the (fiber) backbone,” Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Rhoel R.

The Philippines is set to sign its free trade agreement (FTA) with Chile in October, as it looks to upgrade bilateral ties while opening a promising new market for exporters. Trade Secretary Cristina Roque told reporters that the signing of the comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) between the two countries is scheduled to take place in October.

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Wednesday sealed a partnership to advance aviation and maritime infrastructure development while promoting environmental protection.

Philippine entities have until the end of September this year to submit their foreign borrowing plans for the fourth quarter, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reminded. “Submission is required for resident entities planning to obtain medium- and long-term foreign loans or borrowings from non-residents, including through offshore debt issuances, as well as those planning to issue onshore debt instruments payable in foreign currency,” the BSP said in a statement on July 28.

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is open to a larger interest rate hike if inflation risks intensify. Asked whether the BSP could deliver a 50-basis-point increase given renewed market volatility and emerging inflation risks, BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. said, “there’s a chance.” While inflation has been easing after spiking to 7.2 percent in April, a resumption of hostilities in the Middle East and a weakening peso have renewed fears of higher prices.

Millions of Filipinos without bank accounts, credit cards or formal borrowing records could gain access to loans using their digital financial transactions under a bill pending in the House of Representatives. House Bill No. 9149, or the proposed Open Finance and Consumer Data Empowerment Act of 2025, would give consumers the right to authorize accredited financial institutions to access up to 24 months of their financial and transactional data for credit evaluation.

President Ferdinand ”Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has lifted the moratorium on the creation of new economic zones in Metro Manila, more than seven years after it was imposed.