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.
Singapore-based Vena Energy is advancing P245.3 billion in renewable energy investments in the Philippines, with plans to develop an additional 2.6 gigawatts-peak (GWp) of capacity to meet rising power demand and support industrial expansion.
A proposed P150-per-kilogram excise tax on single-use plastics could increase costs across the Philippine supply chain, with potential consequences for consumers, small businesses and manufacturers, according to the Philippine Plastics Industry Association (PPIA).
Chinese-Taipei’s Wang Wei-hsuan gained redemption at the $1-million SJM Macao Open, defeating Korean star Sungjae Im in a playoff to claim his first Asian Tour title at Macau Golf & Country Club.