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.
Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) said its first-half 2026 performance reflected the continued expansion of its toll-road network in the Philippines and Indonesia, contributions from overseas investments and new road sections coming into service even as domestic traffic softened by one (1) percent during the period.
Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has partnered with online travel platform Trip.com to boost Cebu’s standing as a key travel hub, bringing more flight choices, easier booking and exclusive discounts to domestic and international commuters.
International Container Terminal Services Inc.’s Mexican unit has secured authorization to handle deeper-draft vessels, giving its terminal at the Port of Manzanillo an edge in accommodating the world’s largest container ships.
A consortium led by Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Korea Water Resources Corp. (K-Water) has secured original proponent status for a proposed P14.8-billion water supply and wastewater management project in New Clark City, moving the long-term utility project into the next stage of the public-private partnership process.