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.
GMA Network Inc.’s principal shareholders, Television International Corporation (TIC) and M.A. Jimenez Enterprises Inc. (MAJEI), have approved a merger that will consolidate the two entities into a single corporation, with TIC as the surviving company.
Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup is considering Batangas for its planned USD500-million electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing complex, with the facility expected to serve export markets as well as domestic demand, according to a source familiar with the investment discussions.
SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) is rolling out Halloween-themed dining and entertainment activities across nine hotel properties nationwide from Oct. 24 to 31, seeking to draw families and leisure guests beyond the traditional market for overnight stays.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has secured commitments from manufacturers to keep prices of 204 basic necessities and prime commodities unchanged through Dec. 31, 2026, as elevated fuel costs continue to threaten household budgets.