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 Philippine National Bank (PNB) recorded a net income of ₱21.3 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2026, marking a 15 percent increase from ₱18.5 billion during the same period last year. The performance underscores the bank’s disciplined execution, expanding core operations, and strengthening capital base as it drives long-term value creation.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla has declared Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa an “armed and dangerous” fugitive and announced a P15-million bounty for his arrest, intensifying the government’s pursuit of the senator.
International passenger traffic at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) rose 2.6 percent year-on-year to 19.93 million from Jan. 1 to Oct. 22, 2026, as demand held firm despite disruptions to global aviation from the Middle East conflict.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is preparing to roll out a P2.9-billion fund intended to help agricultural cooperatives expand production and improve their competitiveness, with the agency initially targeting about 12 applicants.