The Philippines' transition to upper middle-income country (UMIC) status is sharpening calls for a financially stronger PhilHealth, with leading business groups urging the government to secure the long-term sustainability of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to safeguard universal healthcare and support economic growth.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said more Filipino workers could receive higher minimum wages in the coming months as regional wage boards move closer to completing reviews that could lead to additional pay increases across the country.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) is ramping up flights to Japan and Australia ahead of the winter, Christmas, and New Year travel season, expecting strong demand from holidaymakers, overseas Filipinos, and business travelers while boosting cargo capacity on key international routes.