Economy

The Makati Business Club (MBC) on Monday welcomed the signing of the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), saying the new budget marks a clear step up from recent fiscal plans, particularly in its focus on education, agriculture, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Headline inflation accelerated to 1.8 percent in December 2025, its fastest pace since March last year, as higher food prices and quicker increases in clothing and footwear pushed overall prices up, government data showed. The latest figure marked a rebound from November’s slower pace but remained well below December 2024’s 2.9 percent, highlighting easing price pressures over the year.

The Board of Investments (BOI) has moved to calm investor nerves, assuring Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. and Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. that nearly P4 billion in unpaid incentives under the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program will still be settled—despite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s veto of the budget allocation.

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) is making it easier for citizens to report potential anti-competitive practices with the launch of its online case reporting system.

Following the closure of Charter Link Clark, Inc., nearly 500 garment workers in the Clark Freeport Zone are finding new opportunities as rival manufacturers step in to fill the gap.