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 Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and Oman's Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) have identified four priority industries for deeper investment cooperation, as both countries seek to strengthen trade and position their economic zones as complementary gateways to regional markets.
The Department of Agriculture announced Tuesday that 56 boxes of Davao durian, weighing 1.08 metric tons and worth around P183,000 ($3,000), have been sent to Oman. The shipment from Engseng Food Products of Davao City is bound for Jeel Almaaly International in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate.
Petron Corp. reported a 28 percent fall in first-half net income to P3.8 billion from P5.3 billion a year earlier, the company said Tuesday. The decline was mainly due to Middle East tensions pushing crude, import and freight costs higher. Dubai crude averaged $91 a barrel, up 27 percent year-on-year.
Singapore-based Universal Success Enterprises Limited (USEL) is exploring investments in logistics parks and data centers in the Philippines, underscoring growing foreign interest in sectors benefiting from the country's expanding digital economy and infrastructure buildout.