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 Water Infratech Solutions (MWIS) has earned a ‘B’ 2026 ESG Rating from global assessment platform Synesgy, marking a key milestone in its sustainability journey.
Airline tickets will cost more in the first half of October after the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) raised fuel surcharges in response to steeply rising jet fuel prices. In an official advisory, the CAB announced both domestic and international passenger and cargo fuel surcharges will move to Level 17 from October 1 through 15, up from Level 14 applied during the latter half of September.
Semirara Mining and Power Corp. is calling on the Department of Energy to ensure fair process in updated bidding rules for pre-identified coal areas, stressing bidders must be pre-qualified on technical skill, experience, and financial strength.
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and Bangsamoro Economic Zone Authority (BEZA) are moving to develop proposed economic zones in Tawi-Tawi, Basilan and Maguindanao del Norte, potentially opening new investment and job opportunities across the Bangsamoro region.