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.
Cebu Pacific carried more than 2.1 million passengers in August, up 1.9 percent from a year earlier, as stronger domestic traffic offset a decline in international passengers amid tighter capacity.
Dominion Holdings Inc. (DHI) shareholders approved the company’s merger with Indophil Resources Phils. Inc. and Sonar Holdings Inc., clearing a major corporate hurdle in its bid to gain control of the Tampakan copper-gold project in South Cotabato.
The Philippine financial system remains solid even amid difficult global conditions, the Financial Stability Coordination Council (FSCC) confirmed during its 46th Executive Committee meeting held at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) headquarters in Manila. FSCC Chairman and BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. noted that global risks are still high, driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and unstable financial markets, but emphasized the system is well-placed to absorb any shocks.
Farmgate prices of dry palay rose nearly 30 percent year-on-year in August, extending the gains seen earlier in 2026 and providing stronger returns for rice farmers despite a slight monthly decline.