Philippine employers may be managing one of Asia-Pacific's happiest workforces, but younger employees are sending a clear message that salary alone is no longer enough.
The country's largest electronics industry group is calling for closer coordination between government and the private sector to address recurring power disruptions in the Visayas, warning that unreliable electricity could erode the Philippines' competitiveness in the global semiconductor supply chain.
Two Filipino seafarers have been killed, 12 injured and one remains missing following separate drone attacks on commercial vessels in the northern Black Sea, prompting renewed calls for shipping companies to avoid the high-risk route. Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac said one Filipino died in a July 6 attack and another on July 19, with efforts underway to recover the missing seafarer and repatriate the victims. Since the attacks began, nine ships carrying Filipino crew have been hit. Four injured seafarers have returned home, while eight remain under medical and psychological care. The other 124 Filipino crew members are safe. (Marjohara Tucay)
The Philippines and Oman are set to conduct bilateral air service negotiations before the end of 2026 to increase direct flights between the two nations, aiming to serve overseas Filipino workers, strengthen tourism, and expand trade ties. Department of Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez met with Oman’s Ambassador to the Philippines Nasser Said Abdullah Al Manwari on July 16 to kick off discussions on broader transport cooperation.
Gov’t manages impact of major fuel price hikes
Energy
The Department of Energy announced that local fuel companies will implement significant across-the-board price hikes this week, driven by rising global tensions. Expected per-liter increases could reach as high as ₱3.65 for gasoline, ₱10.68 for diesel, and ₱11.77 for kerosene. This sharp upward adjustment follows a week of mixed price changes and stems directly from the breakdown of the US-Iran truce and recent tanker attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, both of which have disrupted global supply chains and renewed concerns over Middle East petroleum shipments.
Despite the steep increases, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin assured the public that the government remains on top of the situation and is taking all legally permissible steps to cushion the impact. Garin emphasized that while the Philippines cannot control international market forces, local fuel inventories remain sufficient and adequate for normal operations. Furthermore, because the country remains under a National Energy Emergency, the energy department is actively coordinating with local government units to prevent illegal activities like hoarding, ensuring that Filipinos can continue their daily routines with confidence.
The government is expanding an existing economic zone in Cavite, opening an additional 1.46 hectares for companies seeking sites to establish or expand operations in the province.
Shareholders of ABS-CBN Corp. on Wednesday gave the green light to a P6-billion new investment infusion, alongside the issuance of additional shares first announced in August.
South Asialink Finance Corp. (SAFC), a non-bank financial institution, is expanding its lending presence in Northern Mindanao with four new branches, pushing its nationwide network past 100 locations as it targets rising demand for vehicle, business and property financing.
Manila Water is calling on customers to join its October desludging schedule, advancing responsible wastewater management, community health, and cleaner local waterways.