A coalition of business and governance organizations is pressing the government to implement sweeping procurement and infrastructure reforms, arguing that recurring corruption scandals highlight deep structural weaknesses in public accountability systems.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved the 2026 Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP), a revamped roadmap that expands tax incentives for high-value industries ranging from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to electric vehicle infrastructure and critical minerals processing.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) forecasts a favorable 2026 for the mining sector, driven by strong global demand for energy transition minerals and steady commodity prices.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has expanded safeguard duties on cement imports to include China and Indonesia, tightening protection for local manufacturers amid rising inbound shipments and persistent excess capacity in the domestic industry.
The Philippines’ return to High Point Market after nearly two decades is already paying dividends, with local furniture and home furnishings manufacturers securing USD3.7 million in initial orders and attracting interest from some of the world’s largest lifestyle and home décor brands.