The Philippines’ rise to 47th out of 70 economies in the 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook marks a notable step forward, but sustaining the momentum will depend on deeper structural reforms, stronger institutions, and accelerated digitalization of government services, according to the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).
The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has extended to the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) the Silver Award representing the highest rating of 92.8 percent or “Very Satisfactory”, among 50 government agencies in the agency’s Report Card Survey (RCS) 2.0.
Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. is deploying temporary flood barriers, siphoning trucks and additional pumps along NLEX in Tulaoc, San Simon, Pampanga, after severe flooding caused hours-long traffic. Concrete barriers will cover about 300 meters in each direction to limit water entering the expressway. MPTC said pumping alone cannot clear the highway while surrounding areas remain flooded. The company also plans to further elevate the Tulaoc roadway once the bridge is raised, while coordinating with government agencies on longer-term flood-control solutions.
Major local fuel firms will roll back prices starting Tuesday, September 1, with diesel and kerosene falling by more than ₱3 per liter after two consecutive weeks of increases.
The Bureau of Customs is preparing Subic Bay International Airport as a potential alternative gateway for e-commerce shipments, opening another route for time-sensitive cargo and expanding Subic’s role in the country’s logistics network.
SB Equities Inc., the research and brokerage arm of Security Bank Corp., has lowered its income projections for property developer Ayala Land Inc. after the firm raised its outlook for operating expenses.