The Philippine electronics industry is raising its 2026 growth forecast to 10 percent as artificial intelligence, data centers and the technologies powering them drive a fresh wave of demand, putting exports on track to break the USD50-billion mark for the first time.
Malacañang on Sunday ordered government employees in Metro Manila and 15 Luzon provinces to work from home as authorities braced for continued heavy rainfall from the Southwest Monsoon. Executive Secretary Ralph Recto issued Memorandum Circular 123 upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Alternative learning modes were also ordered for schools in affected areas. Agencies providing basic and health services, disaster responders, and other vital government services must continue necessary operations. The private sector was also urged to adopt alternative work arrangements. The covered provinces are Ilocos Sur, La Union, Zambales, Bataan, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Benguet, Pangasinan, Abra, Tarlac, Pampanga, Oriental Mindoro, and Bulacan.
Philippine business groups have warned that acts of intimidation and hatred could damage investor confidence, tourism and the country’s global reputation, urging authorities to quickly identify those responsible and enforce the law.
Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) announced Sunday that electricity rates in its service area will likely decrease this August, ahead of the official rate adjustment set to be released on August 10. The company said a newly approved refund from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) will be enough to cover other upward adjustments in monthly bills.
PNB Holdings Corporation (PHC), the real estate arm of Philippine National Bank, has signed a deal with First Gen Group, the country’s leading renewable energy firm, for the direct supply of over 5 megawatts (MW) of clean power to two of its flagship properties, deepening ties between the Lucio Tan Group and the energy company.
NLEX Corporation reported a 2 percent rise in first-half 2026 net income, climbing to ₱7.46 billion from ₱7.33 billion in the same period a year earlier, as higher toll revenues countered softer traffic volumes and steeper operating and maintenance costs driven by an ongoing fuel price crisis.
ChatGPT may be doing more than writing emails, brainstorming ideas, and settling arguments about dinner. New research suggests the AI can also create personality tests—and predict how people will answer them.
Harbor Star Shipping Services Inc. led the Philippine Stock Exchange’s (PSE) weekly price gainers, while Swift Foods Inc. posted the steepest decline, according to the latest PSE market data.