Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, chairman of Ayala Corp., struck a cautiously optimistic tone on the Philippines’ economic outlook, projecting a rebound as near-term risks begin to ease and structural strengths remain intact.
The Philippines faces a markedly weaker growth trajectory after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut its 2026 expansion forecast to 4.1 percent, citing intensifying global shocks and a softer domestic backdrop.
Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the looming effects of El Niño are emerging as twin headwinds to Philippine growth, with remittances and inflation pressures forming a potentially volatile mix.
Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan cautioned lawmakers that a prolonged Middle East conflict could trigger a severe economic shock in the Philippines, with surging oil prices threatening to reverse gains in poverty reduction.
Treasury bill yields continued to ease at Monday’s auction as investors positioned for a possible shift toward monetary easing by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) amid weakening economic momentum.
Rodil Zalameda will become the country’s next chief justice of the Supreme Court on Friday, November 6, succeeding Alexander Gesmundo, who retires after reaching the mandatory age limit.
Robust borrowing from both businesses and households pushed the Philippine money supply upward in September, underscoring a tightly knit loop between active bank lending and circulating financial liquidity.
Foreign tourist arrivals in the Philippines surpassed five million as of November 4, growing 3.74 percent from 4.82 million in the same period last year, with a sharp rebound in Chinese visitors helping offset declining arrivals from South Korea.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. has emphasized how rice research and strong partnerships are helping Filipino farmers face growing climate threats, as the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) celebrated its 41st anniversary Thursday, November 5.