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.
Accelerating power sector reforms could slash electricity prices, create more than 161,000 jobs and lift about 730,000 Filipinos out of poverty by 2030, with the World Bank arguing that lower energy costs may be one of the country's biggest catalysts for faster and more inclusive economic growth.
Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) Director General Teodoro C. Pascua said artificial intelligence could become a powerful engine for transforming Filipino ideas into globally competitive products, provided innovation is matched with stronger protection of intellectual property rights.
The Supreme Court's decision striking down Fisheries Administrative Order No. 266 has cast a wide net over the Philippines' fisheries sector, raising questions that reach well beyond the country's waters.
After hours of weather delays, organizers of the Mubadala DC Open postponed the women's singles final between Alex Eala and Jessica Pegula to noon Monday (midnight Tuesday in Manila) to allow the championship match to resume under safer conditions. Play was repeatedly interrupted by rain, forcing officials to suspend action for the safety of players and spectators. World No. 3 and top seed Pegula rallied from an early 3-4 deficit to capture the opening set, 6-4. Eala responded by taking the first game of the second set and built a 2-1 lead before another downpour halted play once again. Organizers said Sunday’s tickets will be honored while 1,000 more will be offered to fans who want to watch the finals.