The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) are moving to streamline government payment processes, aiming to ease long-standing cash flow problems that have delayed infrastructure projects and strained contractors doing business with the state.
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.
Rising temperatures and widespread dry spells caused by the ongoing El Niño have pushed initial agricultural losses in the Philippines to P8.57 billion, marking a nearly 25 percent increase from the P6.87 billion reported late last month.
The European Union and the Philippines are setting up a joint artificial intelligence (AI) industry laboratory to help businesses adopt emerging technologies, improve productivity and attract investment, with micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) among the intended beneficiaries.
Filipinos are adopting faster, digital-first methods to move money across borders, relying heavily on mobile wallets and bank transfers to support daily household needs while demonstrating an appetite for emerging digital currencies like stablecoins.
The Philippines’ business and investment outlook is deteriorating as rising public debt, slowing economic growth and weakening foreign investment inflows intensify fiscal and economic pressures, according to a new assessment by WR Advisory Group.