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 Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) is urging the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to defer mandatory electronic invoicing for one year, warning that a year-end rollout could strain exporters and disrupt supply chains.
Chinese electric vehicle maker XPENG has officially entered the Philippine market, launching six variants across two models as it expands its footprint in Southeast Asia.
St. Luke’s Medical Center–Global City has introduced the VisuMax 800 femtosecond laser system, expanding its range of advanced vision correction procedures and enabling laser treatment in seconds per eye.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez has officially ended the moratorium on public utility vehicle fare adjustments, acting on the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s recommendation to restore rate changes put on hold last March. The new fares take effect this coming Monday, September 28, responding to sustained high fuel costs that have strained the sector.