Economy

Domestic trade in the Philippines continued to expand in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting sustained movement of goods across the country despite persistent regional trade imbalances driven by uneven production and consumption patterns.

The Philippine Competition Commission has warned rice importers against sharing sensitive trade information as it monitors compliance with the government’s temporary rice price cap, stressing that businesses must make independent market decisions to preserve fair competition.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed former senator Francis Tolentino as acting secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), following the vacancy created by the departure of outgoing Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma.

Defense, maritime security, energy resilience, and economic cooperation will take center stage as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. meets Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during a high-level summit in Japan this week, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) on Monday called on senators to take decisive action to rebuild the credibility of the Senate as it prepares to convene as an impeachment court for Vice President Sara Duterte.