Economy
Business confidence dips in April, but outlook brightens for year ahead
Philippine business sentiment turned more pessimistic in April 2026, marking the second straight monthly decline, largely due to risks from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Results from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Business Expectations Survey show the confidence index fell to -35.8 percent from -24.3 percent in March, meaning more firms hold negative views about current conditions.
PH, Japan forge tax deal, eye JPEPA upgrades
The Philippines and Japan have sealed a landmark new tax convention aimed at boosting cross-border investments and deepening economic ties, as both countries also move to explore possible upgrades to key regional trade agreements.
C&U Group steps up Philippine manufacturing investment plan
Chinese bearing manufacturer C&U Group is ramping up its Philippine expansion with a USD132 million investment in its Sto. Tomas, Batangas facility, further cementing the country’s role in the company’s global manufacturing network.
Tourism’s GDP share eases as spending slips
The Philippines’ tourism sector posted a more nuanced performance in 2025: employment continued to rise, but its overall economic footprint softened, pointing to a recovery that is steady in participation but uneven in value generation.
Oishi maker increasing investment on PH coconuts
Liwayway Holdings Co., Ltd., the group behind the popular Oishi snack brand, is deepening its investment in the Philippines with plans to establish a coconut processing hub aimed at supplying China’s rapidly expanding demand for coconut-based products.
