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.
For the second week in a row, Filipinos will see mixed changes in fuel prices starting Tuesday. The Department of Energy confirmed Monday that gasoline will go up by P1.56 per liter and kerosene by P1.77 per liter, while diesel will drop by a bigger P3.01 per liter. As of Tuesday morning, only Seaoil has officially announced these new rates, matching the adjustments noted by the DOE. Last week, gasoline rose P1.93 per liter, kerosene P3.30 per liter, and diesel dipped P1.30 per liter.
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda has committed to a seamless handover following his resignation, assuring the public that key digital programs and department operations will continue without disruption.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has given the green light to Negros Electric and Power Corp.’s (NEPC) P3.73 billion capital expenditure program from 2024 to 2026, paving the way for major upgrades across its service areas in Central Negros.
The Philippines is pitching for more than $57.4 million in new investments across five key farm and food sectors at this week’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative Investment Forum in Rome, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The push builds on the country’s first national investment forum held in March, and marks a major shift toward drawing in private and international financing instead of relying only on traditional aid.