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Business Mirror - March 20, 2026

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Business Mirror Description:

Herausgeber: BusinessMirror

Kategorie: Newspaper

Sprache: English

Frequenz: Daily

A broader look at today's business, ‘BusinessMirror,’ the name, signals the paper’s commitment to provide people with a broader look at the nation’s business in these challenging times. BusinessMirror provides as well the means for interaction at every level, across all fields: government with private sector; policymaker with ordinary citizen; corporations with workers; executives with subordinates; big business with small business; entrepreneurs with fellow entrepreneurs—the encounters are limitless, and, mirrored here, provide the dynamism that makes coverage so much more exciting and far broader than an ordinary business paper’s.

In dieser Ausgabe

March 20, 2026

PBBM WANTS POWER PLANTS SUPPLIED FOR 2-3 MOS RUN

AS tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt global petroleum supply chains, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants the country to have sufficient raw materials to run its power plants for up to two to three months.

1 mins

Despite jobs decline, creative economy grows to P2.12T

THE country's creative economy grew to P2.12 trillion in 2025, despite the slight dip in employment in the sector, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

1 mins

Experts: BSP can keep rates at April meeting

THE Philippines's central bank is unlikely to respond right away to recent oil price shocks, likely keeping interest rates unchanged at the upcoming April 23 policy meeting while it gauges how oil price spikes feed into transport, electricity, and food distribution, according to experts.

3 mins

CRISIS WEAKENS PESO TO NEW RECORD LOW

THE Philippine peso slumped to a new all-time low as it breached the 60-to-the-dollar level on Thursday due to escalating tensions in the Middle East which fueled the strength of the dollar as investors pour their assets into the “safe haven” currency.

3 mins

To keep plane fares stable, DOTr to cut fees for carriers

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr), through its attached agencies, will cut fees for air carriers and its passengers to keep the price of plane fares stable amid the ongoing Middle East crisis.

1 mins

DILG files charges vs 45 former, current BFP officials over firetruck deals

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is set to file charges at the Ombudsman against 45 current and former officials of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) over the alleged anomalous procurement of firetrucks from 2018 to 2024.

1 mins

Groups seek deeper probe of San Mateo garbageslide

TWO environmental advocacy groups called on authorities on Thursday to investigate the operations at the San Mateo Landfill in Rizal province and determine its compliance with environmental laws.

2 mins

PHIL’s vast territory requires large MRF fleet–Teodoro

SECRETARY of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro said the Philippines’ vast territory requires it to have a large fleet of multi-role fighters (MRFs) to fully protect it from hostile intruders.

1 mins

‘Sara skating on thin ice if she snubs impeach proceedings’

THE chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Justice on Thursday said Vice President Sara Duterte’s absence from the next phase of impeachment proceedings could leave the allegations against her unchallenged and accelerate the case's transmission to the Senate if no counter-evidence is presented.

3 mins

Sandiganbayan junks Jack Lam’s plea to junk bribery case

THE Sandiganbayan has junked the motion filed by Chinese gambling tycoon Jack Lam seeking the dismissal of the criminal complaint filed against him in connection with the P50 million bribery scandal involving two fraternity brothers of former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2016.

2 mins

Legislators seek ban on reconnection fees

LAWMAKERS on Thursday filed a measure seeking to prohibit the collection of reconnection fees for electricity, water, telecommunications, and internet services, amid rising costs of essential utilities driven by higher fuel prices.

1 mins

CV strengthens bid to be premier MICE hub

Cebu CITY—Central Visayas is steadily carving out a reputation as one of Asia's emerging hubs for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Events (MICE), fueled by strong collaboration between public and private stakeholders and a growing calendar of high-profile gatherings.

2 mins

Marcos mulls govt spending boost

To keep the country’s economic growth target on track despite the Middle East crisis, President Marcos is eyeing to boost government spending on infrastructures and healthcare programs and minimize its energy expenses.

2 mins

PHI-Canada relations reaches high point

THE diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Canada recently reached a high point as Manila is now positioned as a “priority partner” in Ottawa's newly unveiled strategy that would safeguard both national security and economic prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

3 mins

Envoy pitches PHL as potential manufacturing destination for China’s electric vehicle industry

Speaking at one of China's biggest electric vehicle (EV) industry forum, Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime A. FlorCruz pitched the Philippines as an ideal partner and investment destination for Chinese EV companies.

1 mins

NTF-ELCAC exec says Amnesty Program a success

A RANKING official of the NaAe Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Thursday said the government’s Amnesty Program has emerged as a resounding success, with more than 16,000 former rebels stepping forward to reclaim peaceful lives—prompting authorities to push for its continuation for another two years, or until 2028, as more applicants are expected in the coming months.

2 mins

SEC, SCAD open help desk for Subic-Clark locators

The Subic—Clark Alliance for Development (SCAD) in collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) extension office in Tarlac has opened a SCAD-SEC Help Desk here to bring services closer to businesses and investors in the Subic-Clark economic corridor.

1 mins

DENR to fast-track water infra in underserved provinces

To fast-track water infrastructure in underserved provinces, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Water Resources Management Office (WRMO), will cut the red tape across the agency's regulatory framework, Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna announced.

2 mins

Arenas, Frasco, Benitez named as new House deputy speakers

THE House of Representatives has elected three new deputy speakers, further strengthening its leadership lineup.

1 mins

House panel OKs bill modernizing Philippine civil registry system

THE House Committee on Population and Family Relations has approved a substitute bill aimed at modernizing the country's civil registry system, in a move seen to address longstanding deficiencies in the registration of births and deaths affecting millions of Filipinos.

1 mins

MRT-3, LRT-2 to offer 50% discount to all passengers starting March 23

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will implement a 50-percent fare discount for all passengers of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT 3) and Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT 2) beginning Monday, March 23.

1 mins

DBM: Agencies limited to 5 priority proposals for 2027 budget amid tight fiscal space

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has instructed government agencies to limit their Tier 2 budget proposals to a maximum of five, due to the tight fiscal space for 2027.

1 mins

Strikes hit world's largest natural gas field in Iran, and Tehran retaliates with attacks

Iran broadened its strikes on major energy facilities in the Middle East, eliciting strong warnings Thursday from Gulf Arab states that called it a dangerous escalation that threatened to draw them into direct combat with Tehran.

5 mins

Oil and natural gas prices soar as Iran attacks Gulf energy facilities; Brent crude nears $114

Global oil and natural gas prices soared Thursday after Iran attacked a key natural gas facility in Qatar that can supply one-fifth of the worlds gas as well as two oil refineries in Kuwait.

2 mins

Concern, anger and hope simmer in Cuba after Trump calls for 'imminent action' against govt

A mix of uncertainty, anger and hope simmered in Cuba on Wednesday following comments by US President Donald Trump this week saying that Washington could take “imminent action” against the island’s government.

2 mins

Japan Prime Minister Takaichi meets with Trump as he seeks help securing the Strait of Hormuz

WASHINGTON—The meeting that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will have at the White House on Thursday originally seemed like a prime opportunity to have President Donald Trump’s ear before he embarked on a trip to China.

3 mins

European Union summit will focus on Iran war and Ukraine loan blocked by Hungary

European Union leaders are holding a summit in Brussels on Thursday for talks on the Iran war, energy prices, migration and an enormous loan for war-ravaged Ukraine being held up by Hungary.

2 mins

World Happiness Report highlights social media's negative impact, ranks Finland as happiest country

Heavy social media use contributes to a stark decline in well-being among young people, with the effects particularly worrying in teenage girls in English-speaking countries and Western Europe, according to the World Happiness Report 2026 published Thursday.

3 mins

Israel is rapidly killing Iran’s top leaders; experts warn the strategy could backfire

ISRAEL has killed one senior Iranian leader after another in airstrikes as it seeks to topple the Islamic Republic.

4 mins

Hollowed out: State Department's Middle East Bureau struggles to manage Iran war

In the escalating war in Iran, the State Department's Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs would ordinarily be at the center of the geopolitical fray.

5 mins

PNP eyes use of patrol vehicles in ferrying stranded passengers

THE National Police (PNP) is mulling to make its patrol cars more multipurpose vehicles as it is now studying how these law enforcement vehicles can help transport stranded commuters amid strain in public transport due to rising fuel costs.

1 mins

Answering the life call: Lessons from San Andres Fire Volunteers

As the country observes Fire Prevention Month, communities are reminded that safety begins with vigilance, preparedness, and collective responsibility.

1 mins

DTI, sellers group act on online product misuse

THE government and a direct selling industry group have agreed to work together to address the unauthorized online sale of products, a practice seen to undermine legitimate businesses and weaken consumer trust in digital platforms.

1 mins

Govt vows to fast-track release of cash assistance

THE national government has committed to fast-track the release of cash relief assistance (CRA) for jeepney and other public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers affected by rising fuel prices, with the goal of completing payouts in the National Capital Region (NCR) by Holy Week, an official said.

1 mins

Tiu Laurel files cyber libel cases vs Co, Baligod over statements of 18 ‘marines’

AGRICULTURE Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has filed separate cyber libel complaints against former lawmaker Zaldy Co and lawyer Levito Baligod for implicating him in alleged importation irregularities and ‘luggage deliveries’ of cash.

1 mins

Months after 'rest,' former DENR chief Loyzaga gets new post in Malacañang

MONTHS after taking a “rest” from public service, former Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga is back in the Marcos administration as Special Envoy for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM).

1 mins

Marcos to Army: Press on vs internal threats amid online coup rumors

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos has ordered the Philippine Army (PA) to continue its campaign against \"internal security threats\" amid recent coup rumors circulating online.

1 mins

Beyond awareness: Villar pushes for veterinary clinics, stray animal adoption to solve rabies crisis

THE country badly needs a holistic and decisive legislative response to the country’s rabies crisis, moving beyond awareness to concrete medical and veterinary solutions, according to Senator Mark Villar, who delivered a privilege speech highlighting Rabies Awareness Month.

1 mins

DepEd brings one-stop shop to schools to fast-track graduate employment

To eliminate the steep financial and bureaucratic barriers facing graduating Senior High School (SHS) students, the Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday rolled out the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) across three key public schools in Metro Manila, a one-stop shop directly addresses the struggle of SHS Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) graduates and Alternative Learning System (ALS) learners.

1 mins

Blueprint for balanced progress: Public-private partnerships as the key to regional development

THE recent pronouncements by Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan signal a vital shift in perspective for the Philippine development landscape.

2 mins

Missiles, markets, and misery

THE distance between Iran and the Philippines is roughly 7,000 kilometers—far beyond the reach of even Iran's longest-range missiles, which can travel around 2,000 to 2,500 kilometers.

4 mins

Writs of Amparo and Habeas Data to protect the rights to life, liberty, security, and informational privacy

THE Writs of Amparo (2007) and Habeas Data (2008) are legal remedies created by the Supreme Court to protect the constitutional rights to life, liberty, security, and informational privacy.

3 mins

The fleeting crisis of ‘ngani’

WHEN was it we woke up to the loud mouth of this Melai pontificating, nay, nearly screaming as always, about the ill use of this word “ngani”?

4 mins

Trump seeks de-escalation after Iran, Israel strike gas hubs

PRESIDENT Donald Trump pressed for a deescalation of attacks on Middle East energy assets after Iranian and Israeli strikes on major gas hubs jolted global markets.

3 mins

A flag without billboards: The Eala effect

TENNIS used to run on a tidy, expensive formula: Top-10 names, prime courts, sponsor glare—then the crowd arrives, obedient as a marketing calendar.

4 mins

PHL, China nearing Coast Guard cooperation pact

THE Philippines and China are close to sealing a landmark Coast Guard cooperation agreement, with the text now “95 percent complete,” Chinese Ambassador to Manila Jing Quan said, signaling a possible easing of maritime tensions.

2 mins

DHSUD, NBI JOIN FORCES VS. INCREASING PROPERTY SCAMS

AMID continued reports of property buyers falling victim to fraudulent transactions, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) said it is stepping up enforcement against real estate scams through closer coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

1 mins

US attack on Iran tied to rivalry with China, says defense analyst

\"IT'S all about China.\"

2 mins

Fuel, forex pressures force firms into tightening belts

MANUFACTURERS and local businesses are tightening their belts as rising fuel costs and a weaker peso begin to weigh on operations, a Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) head said.

4 mins

More Power turns to Al for analytics

MORE Electric and Power Corp. is rolling out artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) across its power distribution network in Iloilo City, as the utility moves to modernize operations ahead of tightening supply conditions in the Visayas region.

1 mins

SBMEI settles P239.56-M claim by investor

Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium Inc. (SBMEI), operator of popular tourism attractions here, has settled a P239.56-million investment claim by a venture company, finally ending a two-decades old dispute that cast a shadow over the largest tourism establishment in this Freeport.

2 mins

Acer founder, Gordon reconnect after 30 yrs

ACER Group founder Dr. Stan Shih has reconnected with former senator and now Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon after 30 years.

1 mins

FDC income hits record P15B despite headwinds last year

FILINVEST Development Corp. (FDC), the holding firm of the Gotianun Group, said its attributable income last year jumped by 24 percent to a record high of P15 billion from the P12.13 billion recorded in 2024.

2 mins

Exec: D&L unfazed by bill suspending biofuel blending

CHEMICAL manufacturer D&L Industries Inc. said it does not expect any material impact on its business if the bill allowing the temporary suspension of mandatory biofuel blending in the Philippines is enacted.

1 mins

Business groups back term limits for broker directors

LOCAL business groups have expressed their support for the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) draft memorandum circular proposing term limits for broker directors of an exchange.

1 mins

PDIC says within target with liquidation plans

THE Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) filed last year about 46 asset distribution plans (ADPs) in liquidation courts across the country to expedite the release of payments to creditors of closed banks.

1 mins

High commodity prices to slow insurance sales

THE Pru Life Insurance Corp. of UK (Pru Life UK) sees weakening demand for insurance products as consumers tighten spending amid rising commodity prices driven by the Middle East war.

2 mins

PhilGuarantee, Sterling Bank ink financing pact

OFFICIALS of state-run Phil- ippine Guarantee Corp. (PhilGuarantee) and executives of the Sterling Bank of Asia Inc. signed a P5-billion housing retail guarantee facility to expand access to home financing.

1 mins

LTFRB eyes to fast-track fuel-subsidies pay mode

THE chief of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has ordered regional directors to fast-track the updating and submission of e-wallet data as the agency races to distribute fuel subsidies to public transport operators and drivers reeling from the effects of the gulf war crisis.

1 mins

Govt sticks with bond issue plan even as war continues

THE government will continue as intended with its plans to issue global bonds in the second half of the year despite the escalation of conflict in the Middle East that have roiled global markets.

1 mins

Digital Transformation for Associations: Start with foundation, not the facade

In a recent episode of the “PCAAE Podcast, Association Matters,” I had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Jason Morris, founder and CEO of Membes (Asset Media Pty. Ltd.), an Australian-based association management platform provider, about a topic that has quickly moved from optional to essential: digital transformation.

2 mins

GRAB, MOVE IT PARTNER WITH ARK, DRIVE URBAN FOOD SECURITY AMONG RIDER COMMUNITIES

GRAB Philippines and Move It have partnered with social impact innovator ARK Solves to launch a community-led food security program aimed at helping gig worker communities build more sustainable and self-reliant food sources.

2 mins

Henri G sings the ‘what ifs’ of romance in the new song ‘Hindi Ko Masabi’

GMA Playlist artist and proud trans singer Henri G has officially entered her R&B era.

1 mins

Saved by the Devil: 'Sinners' as cinema

Is there life after a vampire's bite?

4 mins

Sun Life Grepa emerges as fastest-growing life insurer

SUN Life Grepa Financial, Inc. (Sun Life Grepa), delivered standout performance in 2025, emerging as the fastest-growing life insurer in the Philippines in terms of new business, while also ranking among the top 10 across key industry metrics including new business annualized premium equivalent (NBAPE), total premium income, and net income.

1 mins

Golden Haven Koronadal offers “Libreng Burol” with every memorial lot purchase

GOLDEN Haven Memorial Park Koronadal is strengthening its commitment to compassionate and practical memorialization planning by offering a Free Wake Benefit with every memorial lot purchase.

1 mins

DoubleDragon's Hotel101-Madrid is now open to serve guests

Double Dragon Corporation's subsidiary Hotel101 Global Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ Ticker: HBNB) (“Hotel101” or “Hotel101 Global”), a leading asset-light, prop-tech hospitality platform pioneering a global standardized “condotel” business model listed on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange, recently announced the official opening and unveiling of Hotel101-Madrid, its first European project and the first Filipino homegrown hotel brand to operate outside the Philippines.

1 mins

Samsung brings together ecosystem partners with Smart Wash Business Solutions

SAMSUNG Electronics Philippines is making it more accessible for Filipino entrepreneurs to set up their own business with the launch of its Commercial Laundry Washer and Dryer.

1 mins

MAGGI Sarap Sustansya Cook-Off 2026 inspires young Filipinos to champion delicious, nutritious home cooking

MAGGI Philippines, the trusted kitchen partner of Filipino home cooks, together with the Nestlé Wellness Campus and in partnership with the Department of Education, held the MAGGI Sarap Sustansya Cook-Off 2026 at the Center for Culinary Arts (CCA) Manila, Taguig City.

3 mins

Campi milestone award; momentous TGR blast-off

THE Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (Campi) is not just about producing vehicles, about selling cars.

3 mins

Denza rolls out in the Philippines, all-new D9 DM-i leads the charge

PREMIUM new energy vehicle brand Denza has officially entered the Philippine market.

3 mins

Song hangs tough in Q-School

LEE SONG held fort as Ivan Yabut and Enrico Gallardo mounted strong challenge in the third round of the Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) Qualifying School Thursday marked by a day-long duel under punishing heat and swirling winds at the Splendido Taal Golf Club in Laurel, Batangas.

1 mins

Brutal climbs, breakneck sprints mark 2026 MPTC Tour of Luzon - Perez

BRUTAL climbs and breakneck sprints characterize the MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026 edition that returns this summer all of 14 stages traversing 13 provinces and five of the main island's eight regions with a total pedaling distance of 1,815.80 kilometers.

2 mins

Voyage into heart of Philippine sports tourism

WHEN Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio embarked on a whirlwind journey across Davao, Iloilo and Cebu, it wasn't just a barnstorming tour of facilities and forums, it was a voyage into the heart of Philippine sports tourism.

1 mins

Is Bol Bol for real? Towering TNT import gets first acid test vs RoS

BOL BOL—tall and very lanky at 7-foot-3—makes his Philippine Basketball Association debut as defending champion TNT Tropang Giga plays its first Commissioner's Cup game against Rain or Shine at the Smart Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday.

2 mins

Filipinas return to World Cup!

Angela Beard and Jaclyn Sawicki scored in a six-minute span to help Philippines secure a World Cup spot with a 2-0 victory over Uzbekistan on Thursday in the Women's Asian Cup playoffs.