KapitBisig.com Philippines

Manila, Philippines — Inflation in the Philippines accelerated slightly in August to 4.0 percent but stayed comfortably within the central bank's forecast range, affirming its benign inflation outlook.

In the eight months to August, inflation was 4.2% on year, still at the lower-end of the central bank's target band of 3.5% and 5.5% for this year.

Still, economists say the bank could begin raising interest rates in the last quarter of the year to contain price pressures amid encouraging economic growth.

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Manila, Philippines —The government is coming out in the next two weeks with a new list of 20 priority infrastructure projects under the public-private partnerships  (PPP) program that President Aquino would be promoting to American investors during his first state visit to the U.S. slated in the third week this month.

Trade and Industry undersecretary and Board of Investments managing head Cristino L. Panlilio said the list is being prepared because the president’s visit would be largely trade and investments in nature.

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Manila, Philippines — Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima on Tuesday gave the green light to his staff to launch the government's first overseas peso-denominated borrowings to take advantage of the favorable market conditions.

Amid speculations that the government will issue up to $1 billion peso global bonds as early as this week, Purisima admitted that he already instructed his staff to launch the maiden peso bonds if there is a best opportunity.

Full Story (mb.com.ph)