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.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Monday recognized 14 outstanding institutional partners from its Head Office during the 2026 Outstanding BSP Stakeholders Appreciation Ceremony. The awardees were honored for their key contributions to financial inclusion, financial literacy promotion, and wider access to retirement savings via the Personal Equity Retirement Account (PERA). They also helped advance digital payments through the QR PH system and the introduction of tap-to-pay turnstiles for MRT‑3 commuters.
The Department of Public Works and Highways is proposing a P1.5-billion drainage rehabilitation project for the entire stretch of Taft Avenue as the government intensifies efforts to address recurring flooding in Metro Manila’s key transport corridors.
The Department of Energy (DOE) confirmed fuel companies will roll back pump prices sharply this week, with cuts exceeding P4 per liter across all major products.
StB GigaFactory Inc. is expanding its clean-energy ambitions in the Philippines, partnering with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority to explore renewable power, battery storage, and electric mobility projects that could support the growth of next-generation industries.