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.
Listed semiconductor company Cirtek Holdings Philippines Corp. swung to a USD2.8 million net loss in the first half of 2026, from a USD1.1 million profit a year earlier, as a one-time write-off tied to the disposal of its Quintel business compounded higher costs and operating expenses.
Ayala Land’s Crescendo estate is poised to benefit from the expansion of the SCTEX Luisita Interchange, as improved connectivity strengthens Tarlac’s position as an emerging growth center in Central Luzon.
Dugenia, Marayan & Associates Co. (DM&A Co.) has appointed John “JJ” Ibarreta as Communications Director, strengthening its leadership team as a digital-first integrated communications agency.
Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. recognized the Philippine Sugar Technologists Association (PhilSuTech) as a vital partner in driving science-backed growth, higher incomes, and resilience for the country’s sugarcane industry.