The Philippine economy is headed for a sharper slowdown in 2026 as elevated energy costs, weak public investment and subdued business confidence weigh on domestic demand, the World Bank said, while lowering its growth outlook for next year.
The Philippine government is moving to translate the World Bank’s Public Finance Review into concrete fiscal reforms, with economic officials stressing that better tax collection and spending will matter only if recommendations result in measurable improvements for citizens.
The Philippine government said it will act on recommendations from the World Bank’s latest Public Finance Review, putting a sharper focus on broadening the tax base, improving revenue collection and ensuring that public spending translates into measurable gains for Filipinos.
Accelerating power sector reforms could slash electricity prices, create more than 161,000 jobs and lift about 730,000 Filipinos out of poverty by 2030, with the World Bank arguing that lower energy costs may be one of the country's biggest catalysts for faster and more inclusive economic growth.
The World Bank Group has approved a USD268.6-million, or about P15.6-billion, water and sanitation project for the Philippines that is expected to create up to 46,500 jobs over the next 25 years while improving climate resilience in three island provinces.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported that the country’s gross international reserves (GIR) stood at $97.4 billion as of end-October 2026. This dip in foreign currency reserves was primarily driven by the central bank’s active foreign exchange interventions, downward adjustments in the value of gold assets amid shifting global prices, and the national government withdrawing funds from its central bank deposits to cover foreign debt service obligations alongside other international funding needs.
Motorcycle sales among the country’s four major manufacturers rebounded in the third quarter of 2026, rising 8.1 percent year-on-year to 524,860 units as stronger monthly volumes in August and September reversed the previous quarter’s contraction.
The Philippines will bring some of the world’s biggest business names, regional policymakers and Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie to Manila on November 11 for a summit focused on how Southeast Asia can protect economic resilience, accelerate digital transformation and ensure growth reaches smaller businesses and underserved communities.
The enduring friendship and diplomatic ties between Japan and the Philippines took center stage during the 82nd commemoration of the historic Battle of Surigao Strait, jointly organized by the City of Surigao and the Province of Dinagat Islands.