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.
Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) announced Sunday that electricity rates in its service area will likely decrease this August, ahead of the official rate adjustment set to be released on August 10. The company said a newly approved refund from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) will be enough to cover other upward adjustments in monthly bills.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has stood by its decision to set term limits for broker-directors of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). Under SEC Memorandum Circular No. 17, these directors may serve a maximum of 10 years in total at any exchange.
Ordinary consumers and business owners can look forward to substantial savings at the pump this week as local oil companies prepare to roll back pump prices for both gasoline and diesel by as much as P5.00 per liter. The upcoming reduction marks another consecutive week of price cuts, delivering direct financial relief to households managing tight budgets and enterprises battling heavy operating costs.
The government is pushing forward the long-delayed Parañaque Spillway Project, a proposed P90-billion infrastructure initiative that aims to do more than just control flooding by turning Laguna de Bay into a more productive fishing ground and a reliable freshwater source for Metro Manila and nearby provinces.