Economy

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.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered a feasibility inspection for the potential construction of a seaport and airport in the Kalayaan Island Group, a move Malacañang says could jumpstart tourism and create new livelihood streams in one of the country’s most remote municipalities.

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) is pushing back firmly against any suggestion that Manila should return to Washington’s intellectual property watch list, arguing its removal remains “fully warranted.”