The Philippine economy faces an uphill battle in the second half of 2026 after posting its weakest post-pandemic growth, with private sector economists warning that faster infrastructure spending, easing inflation, and stronger investor confidence will determine whether the country can meet the...
The net income of Social Security System (SSS), the state-run pension fund for private-sector workers, fell by 28 percent to ₱48 billion in the first half of 2026 as expenses, especially benefit payouts to pensioners, continued to rise faster than its income. SSS’ latest condensed statement of...
Malacañang said that the P12-per-liter fuel discount for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers will continue as long as the transport sector needs government assistance amid the impact of higher fuel prices. In a press briefing on Thursday, Aug. 6, Presidential Communications Office (PCO)...
The war in the Middle East could push as many as 86,000 more people living in Philippine urban areas into poverty as higher fuel, food, as well as transport costs strain household budgets, according to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). In its...
Malacañang said that savings generated by withholding funds from questionable infrastructure projects were used to bankroll the government 's UPLIFT program and other interventions aimed at cushioning Filipinos from the impact of the Middle East crisis. Presidential Communications Office...
A “triple threat” of crude oil prices topping $80 per barrel, Metro Manila’s ₱85 daily wage hike, and severe El Niño conditions could push third-quarter Philippine inflation back to levels seen during the height of the Middle East crisis and prompt the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to...
President Marcos has defended his administration 's handling of the economic fallout from the conflict in the Middle East, saying the government responded quickly to protect Filipinos and mitigate the crisis ' effects. In his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 27,...
The ongoing war in the Middle East continues to “ substantially ” weigh on the Philippine tourism industry, although strong domestic tourism has helped cushion the impact, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT). Speaking during the 117th Asian Impact Webinar organized by the...
Malacañang disclosed that the P22.7-billion savings of the government will be used to fund programs for vulnerable sectors affected by the Middle East conflict. According to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the government has P22.79 billion in savings, Palace Press Officer and...
The Philippines is among the economies hardest hit by the prolonged Middle East conflict, but it could emerge as a beneficiary once the Strait of Hormuz reopens and global oil shipments normalize, according to think tank Oxford Economics. In a July 22 report, Oxford Economics senior emerging market...
Consumer price movements may not stabilize soon due to twin threats that could keep inflation elevated, according to New York-based economic think tank GlobalSource Partners Inc. GlobalSource economist Diwa Guinigundo warned that the Philippines is battling two simultaneous price shocks: the...
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended Washington 's position on the escalating conflict with Iran, saying the United States remains open to diplomacy but will act to protect its interests and allies if Tehran fails to negotiate in good faith. Speaking at the ASEAN Post-Ministerial...
