Business groups are calling for tougher governance, faster digital reforms, and sustained infrastructure spending as the Philippines looks to reboot growth in 2026 after the economy slowed to 3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Business groups welcomed the signing of the Philippines–United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), calling it a strategic milestone that broadens trade reach, strengthens investment flows, and opens new pathways for exporters and small businesses.
The newly installed head of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is placing digitalization at the core of his agenda, arguing that stronger connectivity and smarter systems could unlock growth for millions of small businesses—and improve the country’s overall investment appeal.
Ferdinand “Perry” Ferrer, chairman and chief executive officer of EMS Group of Companies, has been named the incoming president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), succeeding Enunina Mangio.
The Gokongwei Group’s Summit Media has taken full ownership of entertainment news site PEP.ph and sports platform SPIN.ph, ending its 19-year partnership with GMA Network and consolidating two established digital media brands under one publisher.
Contributions from newly added terminals and stronger trade activity across Asia and the Americas lifted International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI)’s net income by 20 percent to USD898.89 million in the first nine months of 2026, as higher operating income offset rising costs.
Shell Pilipinas Corporation narrowed its net loss to P929 million in the first nine months of 2026 from P2.7 billion at the end of the first half, as it returned to positive core earnings in the third quarter.
Damage to Philippine agriculture from the ongoing El Niño weather anomaly has climbed to P9.99 billion as of November 11, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA), rising more than 16 percent from the P8.57 billion reported just three weeks ago. This growing toll underscores serious risks to farm output, farmer livelihoods, and national food security at a time when authorities warn the dry spell could worsen into next year.