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The Philippines posted a balance of payments (BOP) deficit of US$3 billion in the first three months this year, a reversal from the US$238 million surplus posted during the same period in 2024, according to data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The deterioration underscores mounting external pressures on the economy, with significant implications for macroeconomic stability and international investor sentiment.

Wall Street wrapped up the week on a sour note as renewed tensions between Israel and Iran rattled global markets on Friday. 

Gold prices surged above $3,420 on Friday, marking the highest level in over a month, as escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and global economic uncertainty drove investors toward safe-haven assets.

The global economic outlook has significantly worsened amid rising trade tensions and persistent policy uncertainty, with global growth now forecast to slow to just 2.3 percent in 2025. According to the World Bank, this is the weakest pace outside of recessions since 2008. The slowdown, driven by escalating trade barriers and weak global cooperation, is expected to hit emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) particularly hard, including the Philippines.

In a pivotal move, the Senate—sitting as an impeachment court—voted 18-5 on Tuesday night to return the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte to the House of Representatives.