A private sector-led push to review the nearly two-decade-old Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) is gaining momentum, as business leaders argue that evolving regional dynamics demand a refreshed approach to Philippine-Japan trade ties.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) cut its key policy rate by 25 basis points on Thursday, signaling a shift toward supporting economic growth as inflation remains under control.
Proposed global tax reforms under the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) could bolster fiscal sustainability, but Philippine industry leaders are urging policymakers to tread carefully to avoid undercutting demand and competitiveness.
The Philippines recorded a balance of payments (BOP) deficit of $373 million in January 2026, reflecting a shortfall in the country’s transactions with the rest of the world at the start of the year.
Leaders from the Philippines and Japan called for broader and more ambitious collaboration as the 42nd Joint Meeting of the Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee convened in Taguig City on February 19.