BSP may pause rate rises if inflation slows

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas may consider pausing its monetary tightening next month if April inflation does not accelerate, the bank’s governor said on Sunday.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

Governor Felipe Medalla said in a telephone message to Reuters that a pause in interest rate increases was possible “if the April CPI (consumer price index) is not higher than the March CPI”.

Medalla said a “zero or negative month-on-month inflation” may also support the case for a rate hike pause.

Philippine headline inflation eased for a second consecutive month in March to 7.6% from 8.6% in February but it

SEC introduces CAMPAIGN Network in Davao del Sur

Officials of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), led by Commissioners Javey Paul D. Francisco and Karlo S. Bello, visited Davao Del Sur on April 3 to introduce the SEC Capital Market Promotion and Awareness Inter-Agency Network (SEC CAMPAIGN) in the province.

Commissioner Francisco, in his message, emphasized the importance of information in fighting illegal investment schemes. “We believe that information and education is the best shield we have against these scams,” he added.

remained above the central bank’s 2%-4% target for the year.

To tackle inflation, the BSP has raised its benchmark interest rate PHCBIR=ECI by 425 basis points since May last year to 6.25%. Medalla has said future policy moves would be data-dependent. It next meets on May 18 to review policy.

Also with the delegation were Enforcement and Investor Protection Department Director Oliver O. Leonardo and Economic Research and Training Department Director Rose Ann S. Espiritu who presented the campaign to the provincial government officials.

The SEC CAMPAIGN Network comprises of various public and private organizations that work together toward a common goal of promoting financial literacy and investor education.

On the other hand, Commissioner Bello highlighted the need to partner with local government units to intensify the campaign.

Bello said, “Time and again, the people have shown support and trust to the leadership that [this administration] offers to the province. With the leadership of Governor Yvonne Cagas, I am confident that she can command respect and authority of the city, municipalities and barangays under her administration, to implement orders, instructions that would redound