Economy

Semiconductor and electronics exports from Clark climbed to USD3.8 billion in 2025, underscoring the Freeport's growing role in global technology supply chains as the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) moves to address operational bottlenecks that could shape the industry's next phase of expansion.

The Philippines' unemployment rate climbed to 4.8 percent in May, the highest in a year, as fewer Filipinos found work despite a modest month-on-month increase in employment, underscoring persistent cracks in the labor market. 

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said the country's gross international reserves (GIR) remained robust at USD104.8 billion as of end-June 2026, providing a solid financial buffer despite easing from USD110.8 billion at the close of 2025. The central bank said the reserve level remains more than sufficient to support the economy against external shocks while ensuring the country's ability to meet import requirements and service foreign debt obligations.

A decade after the Philippines won a landmark international legal victory against China, a policy think tank is urging the government to shift its focus from legal triumph to military readiness. it argued that credible deterrence has become the country's next strategic imperative in the West Philippine Sea.

Inflation eased for a second straight month in June, offering consumers and businesses some relief from elevated prices, but a pickup in underlying price pressures could keep the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on course for another interest rate increase.