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 peso’s slide beyond P63 against the US dollar is threatening to drive up Philippine manufacturing costs and fuel inflation, raising concerns as businesses brace for stronger Christmas-season demand.
Jollibee Philippines emerged as Advertiser of the Year at the SMARTIES Philippines 2026 Awards, taking home 10 honors for campaigns that combine artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics and creativity to drive consumer engagement and business impact.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has urged consumers to avoid panic-buying and hoarding, assuring the public that supplies of basic goods remain adequate and prices stable ahead of Christmas and the anticipated Super El Niño.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) has scheduled a public scoping hearing on November 9, 2026, for DMCI Power Corporation’s proposed 15-megawatt coal-biomass power plant in Narra, Palawan, valued at P3 billion.