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.
KABAN Boracay is expanding its food and beverage portfolio ahead of its grand opening this month, bringing Korean restaurant Chung Dam and Japanese dining brand Umi Matsu to its Station 0 complex.
Philippine mall developers are easing off rapid expansion and putting more capital into redevelopments, upgrades and premium lifestyle concepts as changing consumer preferences reshape the retail landscape.
The Department of Energy (DOE) has begun firm preparations to safeguard the country’s power system against the projected Super El Niño, which may push electricity rates higher alongside tighter supply.