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.
Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. has strengthened its presence in Central Visayas with the launch of its first Robinsons Supermarket here, marking a major expansion into one of the country’s top tourism and leisure hubs.
Motorists traveling the San Fernando–Pulilan stretch of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) resumed paying regular toll rates past midnight, NLEX Corporation announced.
BYD Cars Philippines has already outsold its entire 2025 volume after just eight months of 2026, with sales nearly doubling year on year as demand for plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles continues to expand.