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.
Former Philippine Stock Exchange chair Ma. Vivian Yuchengco is urging the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to withdraw a circular that sets term limits for the bourse’s broker-directors, stating the move weakens fundamental corporate governance principles and shareholder rights. In her statement, Yuchengco emphasized that good governance depends on directors earning and retaining shareholders’ trust, while regulators must respect that electoral choice. She noted that repeated re-election should not be dismissed by the SEC, but rather reinforces the commission’s duty to clearly justify why such a choice should be overridden. Along with fellow director Eddie Gobing, Yuchengco has also filed a petition with the Court of Appeals to have the rule declared unconstitutional; both bring extensive board experience, with Yuchengco having served 28 years and Gobing 25 years.
The proposed separation of PAGCOR’s regulatory and casino-operating functions is nearing a key government decision, with Chairman and chief executive officer Alejandro H. Tengco pushing for the state gaming agency to focus solely on regulation.
The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) is finalizing its recommendation on possible fuel excise tax relief as elevated global oil prices continue to push up domestic pump prices, Malacañang said Thursday.
Ayala Land Inc.’s 290-hectare Cresendo estate in Tarlac is moving closer to becoming a full-scale industrial and urban center, with most industrial lots leased and major road, school, and commercial projects advancing alongside factory development.