Poging GOUD - Vrij
Metrobank predicts 25-BP rate cut to boost growth
The Freeman
|February 17, 2026
Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) expects the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to cut interest rates this month to cushion a cooling economy, as weaker domestic demand outweighs near-term inflation risks.
The lender forecasts the Monetary Board will lower its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to 4.25 percent at its Feb. 19 meeting, according to its latest market outlook.
The call follows a sharp deceleration in late-2025 growth, with gross domestic product expanding 3 percent in the fourth quarter and bringing full-year growth to 4.4 percent.
Dit verhaal komt uit de February 17, 2026-editie van The Freeman.
Abonneer u op Magzter GOLD voor toegang tot duizenden zorgvuldig samengestelde premiumverhalen en meer dan 9000 tijdschriften en kranten.
Bent u al abonnee? Aanmelden
MEER VERHALEN VAN The Freeman
The Freeman
14 killed in Pakistan attacks
Two bomb attacks and a gunfight between police and militants in northwest Pakistan killed at least 11 security personnel and three civilians, including a child, a security official said.
1 mins
February 18, 2026
The Freeman
Customs file criminal charges against 40 unlawful importers
A total of 40 importers and licensed customs brokers are now facing criminal charges filed by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) before the Department of Justice (DOJ) as part of its intensified campaign against smuggling.
1 mins
February 18, 2026
The Freeman
13 nabbed for illegal sale, distribution of crude oil
Thirteen individuals were arrested on Tuesday, February 17, for alleged illegal sale and distribution of petroleum products, locally known as “crudo,” at Ouano Wharf in Barangay Looc, Mandaue City.
1 mins
February 18, 2026
The Freeman
GAMOT program launched in CV
PhilHealth has officially launched the Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) benefit in Central Visayas yesterday to improve access to essential medicines for its members.
3 mins
February 18, 2026
The Freeman
Road safety body eyed after fatal crashes
The group will also craft recommendations to ensure the proper and effective implementation of road safety measures.
2 mins
February 18, 2026
The Freeman
Moody's says Phl growth on the right track
The Philippines is on the right track, according to Moody's latest assessment.
1 min
February 18, 2026
The Freeman
Face of Cebu returns after five years
With Miss Universe Philippines Cebu not pushing through with a pageant this year, it prompted founder and director Danny Booc to finally revive Face of Cebu for its third edition, with its finals on April 11 at the Grand Pacific Ballroom of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
3 mins
February 18, 2026
The Freeman
New partnership to add 90,000 condo units to rental platform
Cebu-based Rent.ph has entered into a partnership with SMDC Good Stays to market about 90,000 condominium units that are ready for occupancy, creating one of the largest centralized rental inventories in the Philippines.
2 mins
February 18, 2026
The Freeman
Philippines takes exception to China embassy warning
The Department of Foreign Affairs has called out the Chinese Embassy after its implied threat that any more affronts to their two countries’ diplomatic relations would make them withhold economic cooperation and trigger the loss of “millions of jobs” in the country.
1 mins
February 18, 2026
The Freeman
Donald Trump to decide 'soon' on sending weapons to Taiwan
US President Donald Trump said Monday he would decide soon on whether to send more weapons to Taiwan, after Chinese President Xi Jinping warned him not to do so.
1 mins
February 18, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size