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.
Shopee is adding a familiar dose of star power to its 11.11 shopping campaign, tapping Kris Aquino to headline a two-day livestream showcase packed with celebrity appearances, product launches, and shopping deals ahead of Christmas.
Gasoline prices will fall by a steep P16.80 per liter this week, with diesel going down by P4.10 per liter and kerosene by P3.70 per liter — the biggest reduction seen in recent weeks — as fuel companies implement the rollbacks starting Tuesday morning, the Department of Energy (DOE) confirmed on Monday.
Wilcon Depot Inc. reported a 6 percent decline in net income for the first nine months of 2026, falling to P1.63 billion from P1.75 billion in the same period last year, as challenging weather conditions and macroeconomic headwinds slowed its third-quarter earnings momentum.
The Department of Agriculture has lifted its temporary ban on poultry imports from Germany, effective November 4, after confirming the country is free from highly pathogenic avian influenza. The World Organization for Animal Health has also recognized Germany as disease-free, with DA assessing import-related risk as negligible. Resuming trade will ease local supply constraints, though all biosecurity and quarantine rules remain in effect.