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 Philippines is calling for a major increase in global financing under the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, after the first round of funding requests showed overwhelming need far outpacing what is currently available.
The Department of Energy is moving forward with the proposed framework that will govern the Philippines’ first-ever nuclear power procurement, following the completion of initial consultations with stakeholders.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has rolled out three new policies to boost transparency, fairness, and savings for Filipino electricity consumers.
Aboitiz Foods via Pilmico Foods Corp. and the Philippine Army have renewed their joint Livelihood Assistance and Management Program (LAMP) for another five years.