Top News
Philippines trade grows, deficit widens on imports surge
The Philippines’ external trade in goods rose 10.7 percent year on year to USD18.34 billion in February 2026, driven by solid export growth but a faster expansion in imports that widened the trade deficit.
Prolonged Middle East conflict threatens Asia growth outlook
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) warned that a prolonged conflict in the Middle East could shave up to 1.3 percentage points off economic growth in developing Asia and the Pacific over 2026–2027, while pushing inflation higher by as much as 3.2 percentage points if energy disruptions persist for more than a year.
Monetary Board holds interest rate steady amid inflation risks
The country’s Monetary Board kept its key interest rate unchanged at 4.25 percent, saying it is closely watching rising inflation risks and uncertain global conditions.
Gov’t moves to tamp rice prices with P50 per kilo ceiling
The National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) has approved a proposal from the Department of Agriculture to set a temporary price ceiling of ₱50 per kilogram on imported rice (5 percent broken).
Marcos signs law allowing fuel tax relief
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday signed into law Republic Act No. 12316, a measure granting him the authority to suspend or reduce excise taxes on petroleum products in response to surging global oil prices.
