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.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued Executive Order No. 122, establishing for the first time a single national policy framework to develop the country’s critical minerals sector—an action designed to position the country as a key player in the global clean-energy and technology supply chain while delivering broad economic and social benefits for Filipinos. Signed August 21, the order also restructures the Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC) to drive coordinated, strategic growth across the industry.
For households navigating compact condos, apartments, or family homes, finding appliances that fit limited spaces without sacrificing capacity, performance, or convenience has long been a common challenge.
Globe is strengthening its online safety safeguards and blocking hundreds of websites that promote or depict extreme violence — including content related to school shootings — as part of broader efforts to protect children and young people from harmful digital material.