First Gen Corp. expects its upcoming hydro power projects to generate roughly P16 billion in net income annually once fully operational by 2031.

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.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has reactivated its El Niño task force to prepare for a likely moderate-to-strong dry spell hitting in the fourth quarter of 2026 and lasting into early 2027. DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized urgent, coordinated steps to shield crops, farmer incomes, food supply, and prices from harm.

The Philippine market for packaged soups and ready meals hit $176 million in retail sales in 2025, and is projected to rise to $237 million by 2030, according to the US Department of Agriculture in Manila, citing data from Euromonitor International.

The payback time for rooftop solar systems in the Philippines has dropped significantly as electricity prices rise and panel costs fall, making the technology far more attractive to users, according to global energy think tank Ember.

Airfares are set to decrease next month after the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) announced a reduction in fuel surcharges, following a drop in global jet fuel prices.

Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI) posted continued growth in the first quarter of 2026 despite tough business conditions. Revenues rose 3% year-on-year to ₱16.7 billion, while operating income went up 15 percent to ₱2.8 billion. Gross profit increased 11 percent to ₱4.5 billion, and net income grew 9 percent to ₱2.3 billion, supported by better pricing, lower raw material costs, and improved production efficiency.

As part of the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Australia, a Philippine mission in Australia visited the Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT) at the Port of Melbourne last week, highlighting the terminal as a model of advanced logistics and port automation.

The Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday said it found “probable cause to indict” Senator Jinggoy Estrada, former Public Works Secretary Emmanuel Bonoan, and several DPWH engineers before the Sandiganbayan for plunder and graft over alleged illegal insertions in the DPWH’s 2025 infrastructure budget in exchange for kickbacks. Investigators said P573 million in illicit payouts was systematically funneled to Estrada, backed by what the Ombudsman described as “solid, immovable evidence” and testimony from state witnesses. Should the Sandiganbayan affirm probable cause, prosecutors will seek immediate arrest, deny bail, and request travel restrictions. The Ombudsman said other similar indictments involving flood-control projects will be pursued.