Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Baidu Approves $5 Billion Share Buyback and Plans First-Ever Dividend in 2026 
FDA Targets Hims & Hers Over $49 Weight-Loss Pill, Raising Legal and Safety Concerns 
Washington Post Publisher Will Lewis Steps Down After Layoffs 
Alphabet’s Massive AI Spending Surge Signals Confidence in Google’s Growth Engine 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Weight-Loss Drug Ads Take Over the Super Bowl as Pharma Embraces Direct-to-Consumer Marketing 
Nvidia, ByteDance, and the U.S.-China AI Chip Standoff Over H200 Exports 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Says AI Investment Boom Is Just Beginning as NVDA Shares Surge 
Prudential Financial Reports Higher Q4 Profit on Strong Underwriting and Investment Gains 
Sony Q3 Profit Jumps on Gaming and Image Sensors, Full-Year Outlook Raised 
Amazon Stock Rebounds After Earnings as $200B Capex Plan Sparks AI Spending Debate 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $400 million policy-based loan designed to support the Philippines’ push to improve its business environment and attract more foreign investment. Although the country remains one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies, it continues to lag behind regional competitors due to persistent red tape, high electricity costs, and inadequate infrastructure—factors that have long discouraged foreign direct investment (FDI).
ADB Country Director for the Philippines Andrew Jeffries emphasized the crucial role of the private sector in driving economic expansion and job creation. He noted that the bank is committed to helping the Philippines build a more dynamic and competitive business landscape through reforms that enhance efficiency and reduce barriers to entry. The new funding program aims to strengthen legal and regulatory frameworks, making it easier for companies to start, operate, and expand, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy and digital infrastructure, which are essential for long-term growth.
According to the World Bank’s Business Ready 2024 report, the Philippines ranked 16th in regulatory framework, 24th in public services, and 36th in operational efficiency among 50 economies—trailing behind many of its Southeast Asian peers. This underperformance is reflected in FDI inflows: the Philippines recorded $8.9 billion last year, significantly lower than Malaysia’s $11 billion, Indonesia’s $24 billion, and Vietnam’s $20 billion, based on UNCTAD’s ASEAN Investment Report 2025.
The ADB’s support arrives at a sensitive time, as the country faces a major corruption scandal involving flood-control projects. Allegations of billions of pesos lost to substandard or nonexistent infrastructure have implicated lawmakers and public works officials, sparking public outrage. The controversy has disrupted infrastructure spending, dampened investor sentiment, and added urgency to efforts aimed at restoring confidence and strengthening governance.
This strategic financial boost is expected to aid the Philippines in fostering a more transparent, efficient, and investor-friendly economy capable of sustaining robust growth.
