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.
PAGCOR-regulated gaming platform Buenas PH has launched a sports and wellness campaign aimed at promoting physical activity, digital moderation and responsible gaming among Filipino online gaming communities.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has established a mechanism for electronic notaries public to comply with documentary stamp tax (DST) requirements, addressing a key regulatory hurdle in the nationwide rollout of electronic notarization for property and corporate transactions.
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has named consumer banking chief Maria Cristina “Ginbee” L. Go as the incoming president and chief executive officer, the first female to hold the leadership spot in one of the Philippines’ oldest and largest banks.
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) reported net income of P48.9 billion for the first nine months of 2026, supported by sustained loan expansion, stronger fee-based revenues and continued business activity, while higher operating costs and credit provisions tempered earnings.