economy – Author Carlo Carrasco

Cerberus’ P5.31 Billion Unsolicited Proposal For Subic Bay International Airport Development Under SBMA’s Review

February 28, 2026February 25, 2026carlocarrasco

When was the last time you visited the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA)? In recent times, the US-based company Cerberus Asia Pacific Investments, LLC (Cerberus) proposed to manage, operate and rehabilitate the said airport for P5.31 billion and it has been endorsed by the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center. The unsolicited proposal is officially being reviewed by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the business news article of BusinessWorld. Some parts in boldface…

THE P5.31-billion unsolicited proposal of US-based investment company Cerberus Asia Pacific Investments, LLC (Cerberus) to manage, operate, and upgrade Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) is now being reviewed by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) after the go signal from the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center.

“This unsolicited project was endorsed by the (PPP) Center to the IA (implementing agency) after being determined complete… The Subic Bay International Airport PPP is currently undergoing the approval process of SBMA,” the PPP Center told BusinessWorld on Tuesday.

According to the PPP Center, the SBMA will be the approving body for the project. If approved, the airport project will be under an operate-add-transfer contract arrangement.

Once the SBMA approves the project, it will begin negotiations with the project proponent. The government will then formalize the Original Proponent Status and initiate the Swiss Challenge process.

The Swiss Challenge is a process where other companies can submit better offers, but the original proponent has the right to match them.

Cerberus Capital Management is an investment firm managing approximately $65 billion in assets. Its global network of affiliates includes Cerberus Asia Pacific, which focuses on investments in logistics, infrastructure, technology, and energy.

Cerberus already operates part of a 310-hectare lot of a former South Korean-owned shipyard located west of the airport for which it had submitted an unsolicited bid.

“In theory, competitive bidding is king. In the reality of the SBIA, Cerberus is the catalyst we need. It is time to choose strategic results over procedural delays,” Rene S. Santiago, former president of the Transportation Science Society of the Philippines, said in a Viber message.

Nigel Paul C. Villarete, a senior adviser on public-private partnerships at the technical advisory group Libra Konsult, said that solicited bidding would be more feasible and faster, as it enables the government to define the contract’s parameters and coverage.

“Many of our public facilities should be operated by the private sector to attain a lot of the efficiencies that they can do, which are often difficult to attain within the government realm,” Mr. Villarete said.

For Mr. Villarete, a government-led solicited procurement process will always be preferable.

However, since an unsolicited proposal has already been submitted, the government’s role is to enter into negotiations, introduce the necessary changes and amendments, and only then present the proposal to the public for challenge, he said.

“There should be a negotiation period for the two parties to discuss any amendments required by the government before this is published for challenge,” he said.

Cerberus’ proposal covers the rehabilitation of SBIA assets and the development of new facilities to expand capacity and attract new tenants.

The company has also committed to invest “considerable financial resources” and utilize its real estate management capabilities in developing the airport.

In its proposal the company said that it will maintain the existing leases but only for the “early years” of its concession period.

“Cerberus plans to maintain the status quo of existing operations by honoring existing leases and retaining incumbent employees. In parallel, Cerberus will invest significant capital expenditure to improve SBIA’s infrastructure and operations, whilst building new hangars and storage facilities to reestablish SBIA as a major hub for commercial cargo operations and to expand SBIA’s government logistics operations,” it said.

The company added that it will monitor and evaluate airport fees to optimize SBMA’s returns under the revenue-sharing agreement, while supporting efforts to attract and manage both existing and new airport tenants.

This revenue-sharing scheme would be the determining factor if the proposed 25-year concession agreement were extended, PPP Center said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? What is your opinion about the current state of the international airport inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone? Do you think so much more can be achieved with the Subic Bay International Airport in terms of expanding flight connectivity, attracting more tourists from overseas and paving way for more foreign commerce to enter the freeport?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines To Use ASEAN Influence To Lead Southeast Asian Front Against Trump’s New Global Tariff On Imports

February 27, 2026February 26, 2026carlocarrasco

Months ago, it was announced that the Philippines will temporarily lead the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as its Chair for 2026. In light of US President Donald Trump’s implementation of a new tariff on imports as a result of the United States Supreme Court’s decision, the Philippines – through its Trade Secretary – announced that it will lead the Southeast Asian front against the said tariff, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

Manila is preparing to lead a unified Southeast Asian push for a preferential trade agreement with the United States (US) following Washington’s decision to impose a 15 percent global tariff on imports.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the government intends to leverage its 2026 chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to safeguard the region’s export competitiveness and navigate the sudden shift in American trade policy.

Roque added that the government will also raise this matter during the upcoming ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Retreat in the coming month.

“Definitely that will be one of the topics that we will be talking about,” she told reporters on the sidelines of the ASEAN Editors and Economic Opinion Leaders Forum.

She, however, said the government has yet to formally discuss the region’s position, given that the US’ new sweeping tariffs were just announced over the weekend.

Finance Secretary Frederick Go, on the other hand, said this is an issue that all ASEAN members “love to talk about when we’re together.”

“What it made clear to us is that we have to open new markets,” said Go.

The US Supreme Court ruled on Feb. 20 that President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were unconstitutional.

In the aftermath of the ruling, Trump immediately slapped a 10 percent surcharge on imports to the US, later raising it to 15 percent.

The new global tariff brings another wave of uncertainty that may undermine the exports of ASEAN members and ultimately their respective economic growth.

The Philippines is taking an active role in calling for deeper regional integration to accelerate investment flows and future-proof the region.

As ASEAN chair, Roque said a major priority is to oversee the passage and entry into force of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).

DEFA aims to set the region’s common rules on e-commerce, digital trade, cybersecurity, digital payments, emerging technologies, and cross-border data flows.

The agreement is seen doubling the value of ASEAN’s digital economy, which is already on track to reach about $1 trillion by 2030.

“We recognize the complexity of today’s global environment—geopolitical tensions, technological disruption, supply chain shifts, and climate risks. Yet we remain confident in ASEAN’s collective strength. ASEAN bonded together is a force that cannot be ignored,” said Roque.

For the year, Roque said priorities of the ASEAN chairship also include cross-border mobility of digital talent and industrial development of semiconductors and critical minerals.

By observing the attitude of the current administration and its diplomats, the Philippines is acting as if it is a major player on international affairs and world economics. Its chairmanship of the ASEAN is the latest example of this. Clearly the Philippines is afraid of the new global tariff implemented by Trump. Filipino exporters have endured the previous 19% tariff by America. When it comes to economic growth, the Philippines has weakened achieving only 4.4% growth in 2025 and the fallout of the flood control corruption scandal is still being felt socially and economically.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the Philippines will be a very effective leader of the ASEAN this year? Do you think the Philippines is truly standing up for the economic interests of each and every Southeast Asian nation when dealing with Trump tariffs? Is the Philippines leading ASEAN to a potential embarrassment on international affairs and economics?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

Deals Worth $4.2 Million Signed To Expand Nuclear Cooperation

February 24, 2026February 18, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently the effort to integrate nuclear power into the energy mix of the Philippines moved a few steps forward as deals with American companies worth $4.2 million were formally signed, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the business news article of BusinessWorld. Some parts in boldface…

THE PHILIPPINES is gaining more support from the United States in its goal of integrating nuclear power into the national energy mix in the next six years as it sealed $4.2 million worth of deals with US companies.

Government agencies and private companies from the Philippines and the US on Monday entered into memoranda of understanding which are aimed at exploring deployment of nuclear technology and supporting nuclear workforce development in the country.

“The Philippine Energy Plan sets clear direction for an energy future — 1,200 megawatts (MW)by 2032. And that is not moving until somebody tells us that it’s impossible,” Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said in her speech during the signing ceremony in Makati City on Monday.

“These targets demand preparation, anchored in discipline, safety, and capacity. As we pursue energy security and a responsible transition, we must invest in our people as deliberately as we invest in infrastructure,” she added.

Under the Philippine Energy Plan, the country aims to integrate nuclear energy into the power mix with at least 1,200 MW of capacity by 2032, rising to 2,400 MW by 2045 and to 4,800 MW by 2050.

“We want to work together to get the Philippines to the finish line on nuclear energy,” Ann K. Ganzer, principal deputy assistant secretary at the US Department of State’s Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation, said.

“Beyond acquiring the technology and establishing robust regulations, to achieve that 2032 goal, the most vital elements will be assessing sites for commercial reactor and developing the skilled workforce needed to design, construct, operate, regulate and sustain advanced nuclear plants for generations to come,” she added.

Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), the country’s largest private electric distribution utility, secured a $2.7-million grant from the United States Trade and Development Agency to help the company assess and deploy US-designed small modular reactors (SMRs) in the Philippines.

Meralco will pursue a feasibility study which involves an evaluation of leading US technologies, identification of viable sites, and delivery of a high-level implementation roadmap.

SMRs, each capable of generating up to 300 MW, can be constructed more quickly than traditional nuclear power plants.

Meralco Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Manuel V. Pangilinan described the grant as “the beginning of a long but necessary journey.”

“Meralco is also looking actually at not only SMRs. It depends on the horizon by which we are able to deploy, but also, perhaps a bit sooner, conventional nuclear plants for this country,” Mr. Pangilinan said.

“It simply is right for the country and for Meralco to take nuclear, and we are prepared to act as thought leaders in this regard,” he added.

The US State Department’s Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Reactor Technology Program involves the installation of a $1.5-million nuclear reactor control room simulator at a technical institution within the planned Luzon Economic Corridor.

The simulator will provide hands-on realistic training for future reactor operators, which is aimed at positioning the Philippines as an SMR regional training hub.

Meanwhile, several private companies and government agencies also contributed $2.5 million to bring US nuclear experts to the Philippines to develop specialized vocational and higher education curricula focused on the civil nuclear industry.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines still has a lot of work to do and many challenges to resolve before it could convince foreign investors to come in? Do you think the national government is doing good enough to make the country attractive to foreign investors again?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

Prime Minister Takaichi Pledges To Make Japan Stronger And More Prosperous Through Major Policy Shifts

February 24, 2026February 20, 2026carlocarrasco

With the huge election victories of February 8 recorded in history and having been re-elected in her current position, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae vowed major shifts on policy with the intention to make the nation stronger and more prosperous, according to a news report by Kyodo News.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Kyodo News. Some parts in boldface…

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Friday pledged major policy shifts to make Japan “stronger and more prosperous,” citing expansionary finance for economic growth and efforts to boost intelligence and defense capabilities to address security challenges.

In her first policy speech since being reelected prime minister by parliament earlier this week, Takaichi also expressed her willingness to cooperate with the opposition despite her ruling party’s historic landslide victory in the Feb. 8 general election.

Takaichi said she will promote “responsible and proactive” fiscal policies and measures to encourage domestic investments in crisis management and promising fields.

“My Cabinet will end the long-running practice of excessive fiscal austerity and insufficient investment for the future,” said Takaichi, who became Japan’s first female prime minister in October and was reelected Wednesday. “We will intensely press, press, press, press and press the switch for growth.“

Takaichi vowed to speed up discussions on a two-year suspension of the 8 percent consumption tax on food and beverage items, aiming to draw an interim conclusion before the summer at a cross-party “national council” and submit related bills swiftly.

With prolonged inflation in mind, the government will not rely on deficit-covering bond issuance for the suspension, which would be a stopgap to help households until the envisioned introduction of an income tax deduction and cash handout system, she said.

“By fully mobilizing these measures, we will create a virtuous cycle of investment and wage hikes,” Takaichi said.

Japanese prime ministers usually deliver policy speeches in January after the start of ordinary Diet sessions, but this year the session ended in one day as Takaichi dissolved the House of Representatives on Jan. 23 for a snap election, leading to her address during a 150-day special session that started Wednesday.

In the election, Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party, won more than three quarters of the lower house’s 465 seats, well above the two-thirds threshold required to override the House of Councillors to push through bills.

In the upper house, the LDP-JIP bloc remains in a minority.

Takaichi said she hopes to work with opposition parties in realizing policies, quoting from a Chinese classic, “With trust, we act in righteousness, with righteousness, we fulfill our mandate.”

She called for cooperation to ensure the early enactment of a draft initial budget for fiscal 2026 starting April, which before the snap election had been expected to pass by the end of March, and of tax reform bills.

To prevent “unjustifiable foreign interference” in Japan, Takaichi said her government will establish a ministerial-level committee and upgrade the existing Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office to a national agency.

A conservative with hawkish security views, Takaichi also said she expects a deeper public debate on amending the war-renouncing Constitution, a long-held LDP goal, and revising the Imperial House Law for a “stable imperial succession,” amid a decline in the number of imperial family members.

As for diplomacy, Takaichi said she will visit the United States next month, if possible, to “further strengthen a relationship of trust” with President Donald Trump, describing the bilateral alliance as the linchpin of Japan’s foreign and security policies.

Regarding China, she reiterated Japan’s commitment to building “constructive and stable” ties and continuing communication, amid bilateral tensions sparked by her remarks in parliament in November that an attack on Taiwan could prompt an intervention by Japan’s defense forces.

Takaichi said Japan is facing “the most severe and complex” security environment of the postwar era, pointing to China’s intensifying military activities and attempts to “unilaterally change the status quo by force and coercion” in the East and South China seas.

Also touching on North Korea’s missile and nuclear development programs and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Takaichi promised to update three key security and defense policy documents this year and “strategically evolve” Japan’s free and open Indo-Pacific vision.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Prime Minister Takaichi and her cabinet will be able to achieve the goals of their agenda while convincing the opposition to cooperate? Do you think Japan will be able to secure itself better from the combined hostilities of Communist China and North Korea? Do you think strong economic growth can be achieved within the next few years?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

Japan Eases Import Restrictions On American Automobiles

February 23, 2026February 17, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently Japan announced that the inspections for American automobile imports have been simplified in accordance with the bilateral tariff agreement, according to a news report by NHK World.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of NHK World. Some parts in boldface…

Japan’s transport ministry has simplified inspections for US automobile imports based on a bilateral tariff agreement.

The transport ministry revised an ordinance on automotive safety standards to allow imports of US vehicles without additional tests as long as they conform to US safety standards.

US and Japanese automobiles have different requirements such as those for body impact strength, turn signal color and instrument units.

But from Monday, no additional tests are required for US auto imports if their makers have taken steps to ensure safety and the imports are authorized by Japan’s transport minister.

A red star-shaped sticker will be affixed to the rear of automobiles that meet the criteria. Inspection certificates will show that they are authorized US vehicles.

The deregulation was part of an agreement reached by Tokyo and Washington last July. The ministry has been working out details to implement the measure.

The easing of regulations is expected to be applied when cars made in the US by Japanese manufacturers are imported into Japan.

The Japanese government says the change will lead to a reduction in the US trade deficit with Japan.

Also on Monday, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry decided to use a Japanese manufacturer’s cars made in the US as official government vehicles.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think this latest development will stimulate sales of American automobiles in Japan? Do you agree with the current bilateral tariff agreement between Japan and the United States?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

I Love Israel: Direct Flights Between Israel And Vietnam To Launch This Year

February 22, 2026February 18, 2026carlocarrasco

In connection with the expansion plans of Israel’s EL AL Airlines, direct flights between the Jewish state and Vietnam will commence this year, according to a news report by VnExpress. Already the national carrier of Israel confirmed it will launch direct flights with the Philippines in the near future.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from news report of VnExpress. Some parts in boldface.

Israel’s national carrier El Al Israel Airlines has announced plans to launch a direct route to Hanoi capital of Vietnam as part of a broader expansion of its global network.

The airline said it is entering a new growth phase after nearly three years of focusing on key destinations in Europe, North America and Asia following the outbreak of conflict in October 2023.

Under its upcoming development strategy, El Al plans to introduce nine new routes.

From October 2026, the carrier will operate a long-haul direct service linking Tel Aviv and Hanoi. The route is expected to run three round-trip flights per week.

It should be recalled that the ties between Israel and Vietnam are indeed strong and really cooperative. That said, it makes perfect sense for the two nations to have direct flights with each other. Israelis looking for new destinations for holiday or business can visit Vietnam which is now a major tourist destination of Southeast Asia. The Vietnamese, meanwhile, can discover the Holy Land in Israel and possibly engage in business with the booming Israeli tech sector. There is a lot that Israel and Vietnam can achieve together.

To those in Vietnam reading this, I encourage you all to read my feature articles about the Pool of Siloam, the Southern Steps in Jerusalem, Nazareth Village, the grave of Oskar Schindler, the Dead Sea Beach, and some nice commercial joints (click here, here, here and here).

To all my readers, I encourage you to accept the truth that Israel is the land God designated specifically for the Jewish people (read Genesis 35:10-12) and His command must be followed without hesitation. If you want to be blessed further by the Lord, do so by loving and blessing the Jewish people (Genesis 12:1-3). I did my part when I was in Israel. Also, let me remind you all that the ties between the Jews and Christians are truly biblical!

I encourage you all to pray to the Lord God in support of Israel, to love and bless the Jewish people, and pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

If you truly believe in Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God the Heavenly Father wholeheartedly and you continue to be faithful, you should be aware that Christians are meant to stand united with Israel and love the Jewish people no matter what. You can do your part supporting Israel by donating to Christians United for Israel (CUFI). Do not forget to read the Holy Bible, then pray in tongues to the Lord in the privacy of your room with the door shut.

Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus!

+++++

Philippine Peso Could Land At P59.70 To The US Dollar By End Of 2026

February 19, 2026February 12, 2026carlocarrasco

With its own analysis of varied economic factors, Metrobank stated that the Philippine Peso could end up at a rate of P59.70 to the US Dollar by the end of this year, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the business news article of BusinessWorld. Some parts in boldface…

THE PESO may settle at P59.70 against the dollar by end-2026 on expectations of an economic rebound driven by improved investor confidence, Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) said.

In a commentary dated Feb. 10, Metrobank trimmed its peso forecast for end-2026 to P59.70 a dollar from P60.80 previously. It likewise projects the peso to end 2027 at P58.50 versus the greenback, from its earlier estimate of P58.90.

“(A)n anticipated economic growth rebound and improved investor confidence, thanks to better government spending, could support the peso,” it said.

If the bank’s 2026 forecast holds true, the local unit would end the year weaker than its P58.79 finish against the dollar on the last trading day of 2025.

The lingering effects of the flood control corruption scandal and uncertainties in the global market pushed the peso to test new lows at the start of the year.

On Jan. 15, it closed at P59.46 per dollar, breaking the previous all-time low of P59.44 recorded just the day prior.

However, it has recently strengthened amid a weak dollar. On Wednesday, the local unit hit a near four-month high after closing at P58.29 versus the greenback, up 24 centavos from its P58.53 finish on Tuesday, data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines showed.

Meanwhile, Metrobank noted that the peso could struggle to regain further strength as the country’s current account is projected to remain at a shortfall this year.

“Still, the projected current account deficit this year — although narrower than last year’s — would cap the peso’s strength,” it said.

Based on the latest central bank data, the current account balance stood at a $12.5-billion deficit by the end of the third quarter. This was equivalent to -3.6% of gross domestic product (GDP).

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Peso could perform better against the US Dollar and end up better than what Metrobank estimated? Do you think a weaker Peso would be very helpful to the exporters?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

2025 Foreign Investments Fall Down 50.1%

February 19, 2026February 13, 2026carlocarrasco

With the final economic numbers of 2025 counted, it has been confirmed that approved foreign investments in the Philippines fell down by more than 50%, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the business news article of BusinessWorld. Some parts in boldface…

APPROVED foreign investments in the Philippines plunged by 50.1% year on year to P272.38 billion in 2025, its sharpest fall in five years, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Thursday.

Preliminary data from the PSA showed that the value of foreign commitments approved by the country’s investment promotion agencies (IPA) in 2025 was lower than P546.19 billion in 2024.

This was the steepest drop in foreign investments since the 71.3% drop recorded during the pandemic in 2020. By value, this was the lowest amount of approved foreign investments since the P241.89 billion recorded in 2022.

Singapore was the top source of investment pledges for 2025 after committing P92.78 billion, or 34.1% of the total. It was followed by the Netherlands with P35.98 billion (13.2% share) and Japan with P34.03 billion (12.5%).

Analysts attributed the sharp drop in foreign investment pledges to the sluggish investor confidence in the Philippines arising from global trade uncertainties, natural disasters and the flood control corruption scandal.

“In a nutshell, the decline in approved foreign investment pledges in 2025 was driven by a mix of weaker investor confidence due to governance and corruption issues, global economic uncertainties, cautious corporate behavior, and an unusually high base of comparison from the previous year,” said Ser Percival K. Peña-Reyes, director of the Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development.

Marco Antonio C. Agonia, an economist at the University of Asia and the Pacific, said uncertainty over the US tariffs may have also dissuaded foreign investors from setting up operations in the Philippines.

The United States imposed a 19% tariff on most Philippine goods beginning Aug. 7, 2025.

“Similarly, weaker growth prospects from repeated natural disasters and the flood control scandal may have encouraged foreign companies to scrap or defer their investment plans in the country,” Mr. Agonia said in an e-mail.

The Board of Investments (BoI) approved P150.34 billion worth of investment pledges in 2025, accounting for 55.2% of the total. It was followed by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) with investment pledges worth P107.06 billion (39.3% share), and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) with P7.01 billion (2.6%).

For 2025, about 45% or P122.48 billion of the total approved foreign investments will go to the energy sector, followed by manufacturing with P81.41 billion (29.9% share) and real-estate activities with P26.31 billion (9.7%).

In 2025, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) cornered around P100.43 billion worth of these investment pledges. Central Luzon will get P70.74 billion while the Bicol Region got P50.76 billion.

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Trump Reveals First Set Of Projects Under US-Japan Trade Deal

February 19, 2026February 18, 2026carlocarrasco

The ambitious trade deal between America and Japan is beginning to take shape as the administration of US President Donald J. Trump unveiled the first set of multi-billion Dollar projects, according to a news report by Kyodo News.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Kyodo News. Some parts in boldface…

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration said Tuesday that Japan will finance the production of synthetic diamonds and two energy projects worth about $36 billion as the initial tranche of investments under a deal reached last year following months of tariff negotiations.

Trump’s announcement that the three projects had been selected, as part of a $550 billion package that Japan committed to in exchange for his administration reducing tariffs on Japanese cars and other goods, was confirmed hours later by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

“These projects are so large, and could not be done without one very special word, TARIFFS,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “America is building again. America is producing again. And America is WINNING again.”

Calling it a historic time for the United States and Japan, he said a critical minerals project will be carried out in Georgia, along with plans for an oil facility in Texas and power generation infrastructure in Ohio.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the United States and Japan will build the largest-ever natural gas infrastructure in Ohio, expected to produce 9.2 gigawatts of power, a deepwater crude oil export facility in the Gulf of Mexico and establish synthetic industrial diamond manufacturing capacity in the United States.

Lutnick said the deepwater facility is likely to generate $20 billion to $30 billion in U.S. crude oil exports annually.

Takaichi said on social media that the gas infrastructure will power artificial intelligence data centers, and the production of synthetic diamonds used in the semiconductor, auto and aviation industries is aimed at reducing the two countries’ overreliance on a specific country, without naming China.

“Going forward, Japan and the United States will continue working closely to further coordinate the details for implementing each project, ensuring their early and smooth execution,” Takaichi said in an X post.

Under a trade deal struck in July last year, Japan has committed to investing $550 billion in the United States by the end of Trump’s second term in January 2029.

Japan’s commitment comprises investments, loans and loan guarantees from Japanese government-backed financial institutions.

Japan’s industry minister Ryosei Akazawa told reporters in Tokyo that about $33.3 billion will be invested in the gas infrastructure, with Japanese companies such as Hitachi Ltd., Mitsubishi Electric Corp., Toshiba Corp. and SoftBank Group Corp. interested in participating in the project.

The project to increase U.S. crude oil exports is valued at $2.1 billion and the production of synthetic diamonds is worth $600 million, according to Akazawa, who mentioned Japanese firms such as Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd., Nippon Steel Corp. and Asahi Diamond Industrial Co. in connection with these initiatives.

Last week, Akazawa and Lutnick agreed in Washington to speed up the selection process for the first round of investments, as the two countries prepare for Takaichi’s visit to the United States next month.

Japan and the United States have said that the investments will focus on strategic sectors, such as critical minerals, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and energy, to advance their national security interests and economic objectives.

The memorandum of understanding between Japan and the United States, signed by Akazawa and Lutnick in September last year, stipulates that Trump will ultimately choose projects recommended by an “investment committee” chaired by the commerce secretary and composed solely of U.S. officials.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the first projects of the US-Japan trade deal will create huge economic impact over the next few years? What other ambitious projects do you think Japan and America will focus on next?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

2.26 Million Filipinos Jobless in December 2025, Unemployment Rate Lands At 4.4%

February 15, 2026February 9, 2026carlocarrasco

Over two million Filipinos were reported jobless for the month of December 2025 with the unemployment rate landing at 4.4%, according to a business news report by the Manila Bulletin.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the business news report of Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

The country’s unemployment rate held steady at 4.4 percent in December 2025 from the previous month, but underlying labor market data pointed to emerging softness as the number of jobless Filipinos continued to rise.

The latest preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) released Friday, Feb. 6, showed that around 2.26 million Filipinos were unemployed in December, up sharply from 1.63 million during the same month in 2024 and slightly higher than the 2.25 million recorded in November.

The increase came alongside a labor force participation rate of 64.4 percent, translating to about 51.69 million Filipinos aged 15 and above who were either employed or actively seeking work.

The employment rate settled at 95.6 percent for the month, down from 96.9 percent in December 2024, while the underemployment rate fell to a single-digit eight percent in December—the lowest on record, National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa noted at a press briefing. The last time that underemployment reached a single-digit rate was in May 2024, when it stood at 9.9 percent.

For full-year 2025, the employment rate slipped to 95.8 percent from 96.2 percent in 2024, while the unemployment rate rose to 4.2 percent from 3.8 percent. Underemployment held steady at 11.9 percent, the same level recorded in 2024.

Mapa attributed the year-on-year increase in unemployment primarily to the construction sector, which reportedly shed 550,000 jobs.

He noted that weak growth in construction—particularly public construction—was the main driver of the rise in unemployment. The sector further declined in the fourth quarter of 2025 compared with the third quarter.

Reductions in employment were also observed in transportation and storage (258,000), fishing and aquaculture (258,000), and manufacturing (255,000), but Mapa emphasized that construction accounted for the largest impact.

While employment grew by around 172,000 in 2025 compared with 2024, Mapa said this was the lowest annual increase in the past three years, excluding the pandemic years.

He noted that employment had risen by 1.29 million in 2023 compared with 2022 and by 664,000 in 2024 compared with 2023, highlighting a clear downward trend.

The slowdown was largely due to the construction sector contributing fewer workers compared with previous years, as reduced public construction activity translated into lower employment.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think unemployment all over the Philippines will gradually get worse over the next twelve months? If the economic growth of the Philippines weakens further, do you think job opportunities will be reduced?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

	Instapundit »… on Trump Responds To US Supreme C…
	Instapundit »… on Trump’s America Urges Allies T…
	The H.A.R.D. Corps (… on A Look Back At The H.A.R.D. Co…
	Instapundit »… on A Lot More American Fruits And…
	Instapundit »… on Varied And Impactful Changes R…

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: