The Philippines’ push toward a higher credit rating has been put on hold as global risks cloud the near-term outlook, even as underlying economic fundamentals remain intact.
The Philippines’ job market showed tentative improvement in February, with the unemployment rate easing to 5.1 percent from 5.8 percent in January, according to data released Wednesday by the Philippine Statistics Authority.
The National Government’s fiscal position improved in February, with the budget deficit slightly narrowing to P171.2 billion from P171.4 billion a year ago, as a sharp rise in revenues helped offset faster spending growth.
Headline inflation in the Philippines accelerated to 4.1 percent in March, the fastest pace since July 2024 when inflation hit 4.4 percent, driven by higher food prices and surging fuel costs, according to data released Tuesday by the Philippine Statistics Authority.
The Philippines’ agricultural trade in February 2026 posted modest growth, but persistent import dependence kept the sector firmly in deficit, highlighting ongoing structural challenges in domestic food production.