The Philippines’ plan to temper spending on public goods and services in a bid to narrow its budget deficit to pre-pandemic levels may slow economic growth, according to the think tank Capital Economics. “Monetary easing across the region should support consumption and investment, but tighter...
Despite limited resources, the Cabinet-level Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) has approved a record-high national budget for next year at ₱6.79 trillion, with a focus on social services. Next year’s record-high budget would support sustained delivery of public goods and services...
Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan has expressed confidence that the Philippine economy can accelerate to a growth rate of 5.5 percent to 6.5 percent after downscaling from the more ambitious growth target previously. Despite concerns of slower household consumption,...
Economic managers have tweaked downwards the gross domestic product (GDP) target to 5.5 to 6.5 percent from six to 6.5 percent previously, citing the increased external uncertainties, especially the ongoing Middle East conflict and the imposition of United States (US) tariffs. Cabinet-level...
Senator-elect Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV said on Wednesday, June 25 he hopes to get the chairmanship of the Senate education committee when the 20th Congress formally opens on July 28. “Para sa akin mahalaga yung committee on education (For me, the committee on education is so important). So...
The Marcos administration, through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), has already set its national budget priorities for 2026 based on the government’s medium-term development plan. Given the country’s “limited fiscal space,” new budget proposals will be evaluated based on their...
With the Bureau of Customs (BOC) contributing the largest share in the seizure of nearly ₱41-billion worth of counterfeit goods, the agency has vowed to intensify its crackdown on the trade of fake products to protect consumers and legitimate businesses. The BOC, the country’s second-largest...
President Marcos has declared the third week of May every year as the "Open Government Week." Marcos made the declaration through Proclamation No. 916 on May 29 in order to promote transparent, participatory, inclusive, and accountable governance. The declaration was in line with the international...
Senators on Sunday, June 8 called for the immediate convening of the bicameral conference committee that will tackle the wage hike bill to provide the much needed income relief to private sector workers amid the growing economic pressures. Since both the Senate and House of Representatives have...
Senate Majority Leader Francis “Tol” Tolentino on Tuesday said the ongoing Senate inquiry into foreign interference and espionage, particularly in connection with the upcoming midterm elections, could eventually result in the expulsion of Chinese diplomats from the Philippines. (Photo from the...
Senator Francis Tolentino clarified on Wednesday, April 30, that his Senate panel's investigation exposing China's influence in the Philippines was carried out independently and was not coordinated with the administration or any political coalition. Senate Majority Leader Francis “Tol”...
Senator Raffy Tulfo is seeking to conduct a Senate investigation into what he described as “inhumane working conditions” and questionable labor practices, following a surprise inspection he personally conducted in two major canning factories in Navotas. (Photo from the Office of Senator Raffy...
