Pinoy – Page 2 – Author Carlo Carrasco

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.

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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

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.

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.

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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

Indian Restaurant In Alabang Hit By Fire

February 18, 2026February 17, 2026carlocarrasco

The Royal Indian Curry House, an in Indian restaurant located in Filinvest City, was hit by a fire in the early morning of February 16 and the estimated amount of damage is at P16 million, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The said restaurant is just steps away from Wildflour and South Supermarket in Alabang.

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

Fire damaged an Indian curry restaurant in Alabang, Muntinlupa, shortly before 5 a.m. on Feb. 16.

The Muntinlupa City Fire Station reported that the fire hit the Royal Indian Curry House in Filinvest Alabang at 4:48 a.m. The first alarm was raised at 4:53 a.m. before the blaze was put out by firefighters at 6:08 a.m.

The fire destroyed the second floor of the establishment, damaging P16 million worth of properties. The origin and cause of the fire are under investigation.

*Visible damage of the 2nd floor of the restaurant.*

*The other side of Royal Indian Curry House of Alabang with visible damage at the 2nd floor.*

*The restaurant in Filinvest City, Alabang.*

For the location of Royal Indian Curry House in Filinvest City, Alabang, click https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZzYMnP2y1xo6wmZs6

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, have you dined at Royal Indian Curry House already? What do you think caused the fire?

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

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Muntinlupa City Government Teams Up With UP NOAH Center For City Drainage Strategy

February 17, 2026February 11, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government formally teamed up with the University of the Philippines’ (UP) NOAH Center to develop the master plan for the city drainage, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government has tapped the University of the Philippines’ NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) Center to develop a drainage master plan.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon endorsed a proposed memorandum of agreement with UP NOAH Center to the Muntinlupa City Council for review and approval.

Biazon said partnering with UP NOAH Center is an important step to have a science-based and long-term solution to flooding in Muntinlupa.

The UP NOAH Center is a research and development center of UP specializing in disaster risk reduction and climate science.

It provides advanced hazard mapping, flood modeling, and risk assessment using scientific research and cutting-edge technology, and works closely with local governments to develop data-driven solutions that strengthen resilience against natural hazards.

The project covers the formulation of a comprehensive drainage master plan that will guide future infrastructure development and improve stormwater management in Muntinlupa.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you think the City Government made a wise move to have UP NOAH Center as its partner on developing the city drainage master plan? Do you hope there will be big improvements in the years to come?

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

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2026 NTT Asia Triathlon Cup Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT) Set For May 2 And 3, Registration Ongoing

February 17, 2026February 16, 2026carlocarrasco

The Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT) – the longest running international triathlon event of the Philippines – will be held on May 2 and 3, 2026, inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and already online registration (note: RaceYa account is required) is ongoing.

The event is formally referred to as the 2026 NTT Asia Triathlon Cup Subic Bay International Triathlon which will be organized by Triathlon Philippines (TriPhil) and is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Gatorade and the Western Guaranty Corporation.

Available details

On May 2, Sprint Distance (750 Meter Swim – 20 Kilometer Bike – 5 Kilometer Run) races will be held.

On May 3, the Standard Distance (1.5 Km Swim – 40 Km Bike – 10 Km Run), Sprint Distance, Super Sprint Distance (500 M swim – 13 Km Bike – 2.5 Km Run) and Super TriKids events will take place.

Race categories are the Elite, Age Group Sprint, Age Group Standard, Age Group U15 Super Sprint and Super TriKids

Registration fees

The Early Bird period of registration fees is now in effect and the fees are as follows:

Standard Distance – P6,000 plus online registration fees

Sprint Distance – P5,500 plus online registration fees

Super Sprint Distance – P4,500 plus online registration fees

Super TriKids – P3,500 plus online registration fees

The Early Bird period of registration will last until February 28, 2026.

Effective March 1, 2026, the Regular registration fees will take effect which are as follows:

Standard Distance – P6,500 plus online registration fees

Sprint Distance – P6,000 plus online registration fees

Super Sprint Distance – P5,000 plus online registration fees

Super TriKids – P4,000 plus online registration fees

The Regular period of registration will last until March 31, 2026.

Effective April 1, 2026, the Late registration fees will take effect which are as follows:

Standard Distance – P7,500 plus online registration fees

Sprint Distance – P7,000 plus online registration fees

Super Sprint Distance – P6,000 plus online registration fees

Super TriKids – P5,000 plus online registration fees

*Online banner of the 2026 NTT Asia Cup Subic Bay International Triathlon.*

Other key details of the event such as the final schedules, the race maps and more will be updated at the official event page at RaceYa.

To get registered for the 2026 NTT Asia Triathlon Cup Subic Bay International Triathlon, click https://register.raceya.fit/event/subit2026

To receive more triathlon and multisport updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/TriPhil.

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Wanted Painter Arrested In Las Piñas City For Attempted Murder

February 16, 2026February 10, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a wanted painter was apprehended by the local police over the charge of attempted murder, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

Las Piñas police arrested a painter, listed as the station’s No. 3 Most Wanted Person, for attempted murder during a manhunt operation on Feb. 5.

Col. Wilson Delos Santos, Las Piñas City Police chief, said the suspect, Reynard, 34, was nabbed by members of the Warrant and Subpoena Section at his residence in San Jose Street, Barangay Ilaya, Las Piñas City.

The police served the warrant of arrest issued by Judge Ma. Ludmila de Pio Lim of the Las Piñas City Regional Trial Court, Branch 253, on July 8, 2025, for attempted murder with a recommended bail of P120,000

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you thankful to the local police for apprehending the suspect? Are you concerned that there could be some other people out there who are wanted for attempted murder but have yet to be arrested?

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

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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.

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More Senior Citizens Benefitting From Muntinlupa’s RIDEMed Program

February 14, 2026February 13, 2026carlocarrasco

Senior citizens of Muntinlupa who are bedridden and those who are at least 80-years-old are benefitting from the City Government’s RIDEMed (Responsive Integrated Delivery of Essential Medicines) program and almost two thousand seniors have registered as of January, according to a Manila Bulletin news article.

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

The Muntinlupa City government’s RIDEMed (Responsive Integrated Delivery of Essential Medicines) program is benefitting senior citizens who are bedridden and those who are at least 80 years old.

Launched last October, RIDEMed is the home delivery component of the city government’s free medicines initiative for senior citizens.

The program ensures that eligible seniors receive their maintenance medicines regularly, conveniently, and with basic health monitoring at home.

One of the beneficiaries of RIDEMEd is Gloria Ayesa, 64, a resident of Alabang, who is a diabetes patient and whose legs were amputated.

“Dati aligaga ako kung saan kukuha ng pambili, ngayon regular na ako nakakainom ng gamot. Malaking bagay yung dinadalhan ako ng gamot dito sa bahay. Mayroon akong diabetes, una, pinutol yung kanan kong binti. Kalaunan, yung kaliwa naman. Wala na akong magagawa, nabubulok na, kaysa naman mamatay ako (I used to be worried about where to buy medicine, now I take medicine regularly. It’s a big deal that medicine is brought to my house. I have diabetes, first, my right leg was amputated. Later, the left one. I can’t do anything, it’s rotting, rather than die),” she told the city government.

She added, “Malaking tulong sa akin yun na hindi na ako naghahanap ng pambili, mayroon nang naghahatid. Sa mga katulad kong hindi na nakakalabas ng bahay, wala na kayong iisipin. May mga gamot na kayo. Malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa iyo Mayor Biazon, at sa OSCA, kasi kung hindi naman sa inyo wala akong gamot. Maraming marami pong salamat (It’s a big help to me that I don’t have to look for medicine anymore, someone delivers it. For those like me who can’t leave the house, you don’t have to think about it anymore. You already have medicine. I’m very grateful to you, Mayor Biazon, and to OSCA [Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs], because if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have medicine. Thank you very much).”

The free medicines being delivered to senior citizens in Muntinlupa under RIDEMed are losartan and amlodipine for hypertension, metformin for diabetes, atorvastatin for high cholesterol, and Vitamin B Complex.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon said RIDEMEd is an example that healthcare in Muntinlupa should be accessible.

“RIDEMed is proof that healthcare services should be within easy reach, especially for our senior citizens. Our goal is to make their access to care easier, more organized, and continuously supported,” he told Manila Bulletin, adding that he wants to expand RIDEMed to persons with disabilities (PWDs).

As of January this year, a total of 1,931 senior citizens in Muntinlupa are registered and currently undergoing assessment. The oldest beneficiary is a 111-year-old grandmother from Ayala Alabang.

Mahalia Divinasflores, officer-in-charge of Muntinlupa OSCA, said, “RIDEMed is important because it removes one of the biggest barriers senior citizens face in managing their health: access.”

“This program ensures continuity of care, prevents complications from untreated chronic illnesses, and gives peace of mind not only to seniors but also to their families,” she said.

Divinasflores said the response from beneficiaries is very positive.

“The response from our senior citizens has been overwhelmingly positive. Many express deep gratitude because RIDEMed eases the physical and financial burden of regularly obtaining medicines. Seniors often share that the program makes them feel remembered and cared for, especially those who rarely leave their homes,” she said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you delighted to see the RIDEMed program helping the qualified senior citizens of the city get their medicine? Are there any senior citizens in your local community who are qualified for RIDEMed?

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

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Philippines January 2026 Inflation Rate Lands At 2%

February 14, 2026February 9, 2026carlocarrasco

The inflation rate of the Philippines for the month of January 2026 landed at 2% which is the highest in almost a year’s time, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

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

PHILIPPINE INFLATION accelerated to its fastest pace in nearly a year in January amid a faster rise in rents and electricity rates, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported.

Headline inflation picked up to 2% from 1.8% in December but slowed from 2.9% in the same month last year. This was the fastest pace seen in 11 months or since 2.1% in February 2025.

It also marked the first time in almost a year that the consumer price index (CPI) hit the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 2%-4% target.

The January clip was likewise above the 1.8% median forecast in a BusinessWorld poll of 18 economists but was within the central bank’s 1.4%-2.2% estimate for the month.

“The main reason for the higher inflation rate in January 2026 compared with December 2025 is the faster price increase in housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels, which recorded a 3.3% inflation rate,” National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa said at a news briefing on Thursday.

Inflation for housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels quickened to 3.3%, the fastest since 3.8% in August 2024.

According to the PSA, this commodity group had a 45.9% share in the overall inflation uptick in January.

Broken down, inflation for electricity rose to 6.5% year on year in January from the revised 4% in December, while rental prices picked up by 2.9% during the month from 2.4% in December.

This comes even after Manila Electric. Co. trimmed electricity rates by 16.37 centavos per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to P12.9508 per kWh last month from P13.1145 per kWh in December, which meant households consuming an average of 200 kWh paid P33 less in their monthly electricity bill.

In January 2025, Meralco charged P11.7428 per kWh.

The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) said the government is enforcing programs to manage price pressures emerging from the energy sector. It includes improving the Department of Energy’s Net Metering Program by enforcing time-bound local permitting, simplifying utility documentary requirements and expanding consumer incentives.

“The program allows consumers to install eligible renewable energy systems and export surplus electricity to the grid, helping lower electricity costs and support the energy transition,” the DEPDev said in a statement.

Mr. Mapa also noted that liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) added price pressures, as inflation settled at -2.8% in January from -5.1% in December.

In January, Petron Corp. hiked LPG prices by P2.18 per kilogram (kg), while Solane imposed a P2.18-per-kg increase.

This means that the price of a household-standard 11-kg LPG tank ranged from P820 to P1,120 last month, based on data from the Department of Energy.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the inflation rate of the Philippines could rise to as much as 3% this year? What do you think will be the factors – both internal and external – that will cause the inflation rate to spike?

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

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Two Suspects Arrested In Parañaque City, Marijuana Worth P112,000 Seized

February 13, 2026February 9, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers pulled off a successful buy-bust operation that resulted in the apprehension of two suspects and the seizure of marijuana kush worth P112,000, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Authorities arrested two drug suspects and seized P112,000 worth of marijuana kush during a buy-bust operation conducted by the Parañaque City Police Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU).

The suspects were identified as Dagul, 23, and Joshua, 20, both residents of Barangay Baclaran, Parañaque City.

Police said the operation was launched after the SDEU received intelligence reports regarding the suspects’ alleged involvement in illegal drug activities. The two were apprehended after selling marijuana kush to an undercover police operative.

Recovered from the suspects were 76 grams of marijuana kush valued at P112,000, marked buy-bust money, a cellular phone, and a black pouch.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you glad the local police officers succeeded in arresting the suspects? Has the illegal drug trade affected your local community?

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

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