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 Agriculture (DA) has lifted the import ban on domestic and wild birds from Japan, including day-old chicks and hatching eggs, after confirming the country is free of highly pathogenic avian influenza.
The Department of Energy (DOE) is partnering closely with the BARMM Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE) to strengthen energy security, expand access, and develop local resources.
The Department of Energy (DOE) is accelerating its waste-to-energy (WTE) programs following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s renewed directive to turn leftover waste into useful resources, amid growing concerns that garbage building up in waterways is contributing to flooding.
Manila Electric Company (MERALCO), led by Manuel V. Pangilinan, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have renewed their shared commitment to stop electricity theft and the illegal taking of power distribution facilities and materials.