Philippines share prices closed 0.80 percent lower on Monday with investors quick to take profits ahead of the long upcoming Easter break, dealers said. The market has been on the defensive in recent trade after this year's strong advance and this will likely continue until after the holidays, which start Thursday, they said. The Philippine Stock Exchange composite index shed 16.50 points to 2,033.78 after trading between 2,033.59 and 2,068.10.
Volume was 1.6 billion shares worth 1.19 billion pesos (21.6 million dollars).
The broader all-shares index fell 7.47 points to 1,203.17.
Losers outnumbered gainers 60 to 22, with 45 stocks unchanged.
"Today's trade is an indication that investors don't want to hold long positions ahead of a long weekend," said Olive Plana of Asiasec Equities Inc.
Plana said the failure by Congress to pass a bill raising the value added tax rate also dampened sentiment. The measure is a key component of President Gloria Arroyo's tax reform package.
Domestic security concerns and record-high oil prices added to the negative tone.
"The market's decline for the past six or seven days is overdone. A recovery is long overdue," said Gomer Tan of Regina Capital Development.
Manila Water Co was the most actively traded stock, closing steady at 6.90 pesos after its successful listing last week.
Philippine Long Distance Telephone fell 25 pesos 1,430 pesos.
Ayala Corp was down 10 centavos at 7.80 pesos, while unit Ayala Land fell 10 centavos to 8.60 pesos.
Globe Telecom fell 5.00 pesos to 900.00 pesos.
San Miguel Corp B shares were down 50 centavos at 81.50 pesos while San Miguel A was steady at 56.00 pesos.
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