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.
The Department of Energy has confirmed the national government is open to selling the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, also referred to as the Philippine Nuclear Power Plant, to private investors, after a South Korean feasibility study found promise in reviving the long‑idle facility.
When an unexpected loss strikes, grieving families are often forced to make quick financial and logistical choices amid emotional distress—with only days to lock in funeral arrangements, coordinate with relatives, and gather funds for related costs. Pre‑planning, pre‑need provider PhilPlans says, is key to reducing this heavy burden for consumers, while also helping service providers deliver smoother, more predictable support during difficult periods.
BDO Unibank, Inc. reported a nine‑month 2026 net income of ₱63.6 billion, slightly higher than the ₱63.1 billion recorded in the same period of 2025, with a 13.1 percent return on equity reflecting the bank’s solid core business performance.
China Bank Savings (CBS) is expanding its home financing business through partnerships with three property developers, targeting growing residential markets in CALABARZON and Central Visayas as it seeks to widen access to homeownership.