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 Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on Monday (24 August 2026) clarified that Negros Electric and Power Corp. (NEPC) was operating well within its allowable system losses cap after being wrongly identified as noncompliant with the cap for private distribution utilities (DUs).
Agriculture sector damage from the enhanced southwest monsoon and Tropical Cyclones Luis, Maymay and Neneng has risen to P1.91 billion, per the Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 noon advisory. This is up from the P1.79 billion reported August 22.
A Brown Co. Inc. is expanding its water business after securing authority to subscribe to an additional 20 million common shares in its subsidiary, AB Bulk Water Company Inc., as the group prepares to consolidate its water assets and pursue new projects.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Monday unveiled the next phase of its reform agenda, introducing targeted measures to cut red tape, speed up business formation, lower costs, and strengthen liquidity and competitiveness across the Philippine capital market. The announcement comes as SEC chairman Francis E. Lim marks his first year in office.