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14/07/2025

Think twice before you click – scammers are posing as the Bureau of Customs online.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has issued a strong warning to the public about a surge in fake Facebook accounts pretending to be the agency. These fraudulent pages are using the BOC’s official logo, branding, and even the names of its officials to mislead people online.

According to BOC, these fake accounts are copying posts from the official page, replying to comments, and sending private messages to trick unsuspecting users. Some are even asking for payments or personal information.

BOC’s advice: Do not trust or engage with unverified pages. Don’t share sensitive information, click on suspicious links, or send money to anyone claiming to be from Customs unless it's through their official and verified channels.

To report scams or suspicious activity, you can contact the BOC directly through: 📞 (02) 8705-6000
📧 [email protected]

Stay informed only through the BOC’s verified platforms:

Facebook

Instagram

X (Twitter)

TikTok

YouTube

Why this matters: Online scams are getting smarter — even government agencies are being impersonated. Protect yourself and your hard-earned money by following only official sources and staying alert online.

Brought to you by Philippine Economic Briefing – A Clear View of the Philippine Economy.

14/07/2025

Good news for the Philippines' digital economy!

On July 8, 2025, the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the BIR National Office to strengthen the collection of VAT on Digital Services (VDS).

Under the agreement, LANDBANK will serve as the solution provider for the VDS Portal — a platform designed to help foreign digital service providers (DSPs) easily file and pay their VAT obligations to the Philippine government. These providers include streaming platforms, online marketplaces, and app-based services that earn income from Filipino users.

The goal of the portal is simple: make tax compliance easier and more accessible for international digital businesses operating in the country. It’s part of a broader effort to ensure fairness in tax collection and modernize the government’s digital infrastructure.

Why this matters: With better tax collection from digital services, the government can generate more funds for public services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure — all without overburdening local taxpayers. A fair and digital-ready economy benefits everyone.

Brought to you by Philippine Economic Briefing – A Clear View of the Philippine Economy.

13/07/2025

Good morning, everyone! Let's start our day by embracing it fully—our joys, our challenges, everything that makes us human. 💖 May today's journey bring fulfillment and peace.

13/07/2025

𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗧 𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦
𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗡𝗔𝗜𝗔 𝗧𝟯

Please be advised that Meralco Energy, Inc. (MSERV) will be conducting essential maintenance on Terminal 3’s main substation from 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM on July 15–16, 2025.

This is part of ongoing efforts to keep NAIA safe, reliable, and operating at its best.

To carry out the work safely, a temporary power interruption will be necessary. Backup generators will support critical airport systems, but some services may experience brief, localized disruptions in lighting, air-conditioning, elevators, escalators, baggage handling systems, and electrical outlets.

We will do our best to keep any inconvenience to a minimum. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

New NAIA Infra Corp.

13/07/2025

🛬 Fuel switch error led to deadly Air India crash
Investigators found that pilot confusion over engine fuel switches caused the May crash of an Air India Express flight, killing six people. The report raises serious questions about cockpit training and safety protocols.
✈️🛑
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13/07/2025

✈️ Air India Crash: Pagkalito ng piloto, sanhi ng trahedya!
Lumabas sa ulat ng imbestigasyon na nagkamali ang mga piloto ng Air India Express sa paglipat ng fuel switches bago bumagsak ang eroplano noong Mayo. Nagdulot ito ng pagkawala ng makina at ikinasawi ng anim. Patuloy ang panawagan para sa mas mahigpit na training sa mga piloto.
🌏
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11/07/2025

Cebu Gov‑Elect Pam Baricuatro Takes Oath as PDP–Laban Member Now!

Nanumpa na si Cebu Governor-elect Pam Baricuatro matapos ang kanyang pagkapanalo sa nakaraang May 12, 2025 Midterm Elections. Isinagawa ni Gov. Pam ang kanyang panunumpa sa harap ng mga opisyal ng PDP-Laban na kinabibilangan nina Vice Chair Alfonso Cusi, Coco Naik, Astravel Pimentel-Naik, at mga mam...

11/07/2025

Customs officials now banned from having business ties in brokerage — BOC takes bold step for clean governance.

In a landmark move to restore public trust, Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno has officially banned all BOC officials, employees, and personnel from having any business or financial interest in Customs Brokerage operations. This means no more side businesses or hidden interests in companies that deal with import and export clearances.

The new rule, announced through a memorandum on July 10, 2025, is part of the BOC’s broader push for transparency and aligns with President Marcos Jr.’s call for good governance.

Commissioner Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of this reform, saying, “This is more than policy. It is a public declaration that the Bureau of Customs will no longer tolerate practices that breed corruption, favoritism, or undue influence. We are placing public interest above personal gain.”

Why this matters: The Bureau of Customs handles billions of pesos in trade. By eliminating conflicts of interest, this bold policy helps ensure fair treatment for businesses, prevents corruption, and promotes honest service for the public.

Brought to you by Philippine Economic Briefing – A Clear View of the Philippine Economy.

11/07/2025

MEDIA STATEMENT | On the 20% Reciprocal Tariff from the United States

We are in receipt of the United States' latest reciprocal tariff for the Philippines. We are concerned that, notwithstanding our efforts and constant engagements, the US still decided to impose a 20% tariff on Philippine exports.

The fact remains, however, that the 20% rate is the second lowest among reciprocal tariffs the US has imposed on countries in the region.

More importantly, as a reliable and strategic economic partner of the US in the region, the Philippines remains committed to continuing negotiations in good faith to pursue a better and more comprehensive bilateral trade agreement.

We recognize the concerns of the United States regarding trade imbalances and its desire to strengthen domestic manufacturing. However, global supply chains are deeply interconnected, and unilateral trade impositions will have adverse effects to the global economy. Thus, we believe in the need for constructive engagement to address trade issues.

The DTI, in consultation with other government agencies, will continue to actively engage with our US counterparts toward a balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship. A Philippine delegation is scheduled to hold discussions in the US next week, ahead of the tariff's implementation on August 1.

In light of this development, the Philippines remains steadfast in advancing key economic reforms to sustain a competitive and investor-friendly business environment, while broadening its trade partnerships to create more market opportunities.

11/07/2025

Big changes are coming to how the government buys goods and services — and the DBM is preparing everyone for it.

DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and GPPB Deputy Director General Atty. Sofia Yanto-Abad recently met to finalize plans for the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA) Caravan, which kicks off soon. The goal? To train all government offices and stakeholders on the new and improved rules for public procurement.

The NGPA Caravan will serve as a nationwide learning tour, helping agencies and suppliers understand the updated procurement system and how to follow it properly.

They also discussed a public info campaign to highlight the key features of the NGPA and its implementing rules — making sure that everyone, from local offices to suppliers, knows the new rules of the game.

Also present at the meeting were DBM ACES Undersecretary Margaux Salcedo and Assistant Secretary Diana Camacho-Mercado, showing the DBM’s full support for transparency, efficiency, and accountability in government spending.

Why this matters: Every peso spent by the government must be well-accounted for. By improving how public funds are used to buy goods and services, the NGPA helps fight corruption, cut red tape, and deliver faster, better services to Filipinos.

Brought to you by Philippine Economic Briefing – A Clear View of the Philippine Economy.

11/07/2025

Charred Human Remains Found in Taal Lake Boat
Authorities are investigating after burnt human remains were discovered inside a fishing boat on Taal Lake. The Philippine Coast Guard and local police have begun a full search and probe. What really happened on the waters of Taal?

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11/07/2025

Food prices slowed down again in June 2025 — thanks to cheaper rice and stronger government efforts.

Food inflation dropped to just 0.1% in June, compared to 0.7% in May and a much higher 6.5% in June last year. This was mainly due to rice prices, which fell even more — down by 14.3% from the previous month’s -12.8%.

Meanwhile, overall inflation slightly rose to 1.4% in June from 1.3% in May. But the good news is, the average inflation for the year so far is still very low at 1.8%, well within the government’s target of 2.0% to 4.0%.

According to the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), the food inflation slowdown is a result of the government’s steps to improve food supply, boost agriculture, and fix transport and logistics systems.

Some of the key efforts include: ✅ Better coordination among agencies
✅ Strengthening food supply chains
✅ More research and innovation in agriculture
✅ Partnering with private oil companies to offer fuel discounts

Why this matters: Slower inflation means more affordable goods for everyday Filipinos — especially food, which takes up a big chunk of household expenses. It’s a sign that the government’s interventions are working.

Brought to you by Philippine Economic Briefing – A Clear View of the Philippine Economy.