Agricultural output likely shrank in Q1
THE PHILIPPINES’ agricultural output likely contracted in the first quarter of 2026, weighed down by a drop in major crops such as rice, and continued weakness in fisheries and livestock subsectors, analysts said.
Philippines’ March trade gap widest in 6 months
THE PHILIPPINES’ trade deficit in goods widened slightly in March as a record-high import bill driven by rising global energy prices offset the fastest export growth since late last year, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Thursday.
Infrastructure spending declines in February
INFRASTRUCTURE SPENDING slumped by nearly 30% year on year in February amid delays in billing claims, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said.
In...
Peso rebounds from record low on profit taking, rate hike hopes
THE PESO rebounded against the dollar on Thursday despite touching a new record low during the session on profit taking and expectations of more...
PSEi sinks as Iran war fuels economic uncertainty
PHILIPPINE SHARES sank to an over five-month low again on Thursday as concerns over quickening inflation, slowing growth, and a weak peso due to...
DEPDev sees NCR cost of living distorting single national wage
THE Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) said wage hikes should continue to be set at the regional level to preserve competitiveness.
Digital economy share of GDP steady at 9.8%
THE digital economy accounted for 9.8% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025, unchanged from a year earlier, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said,...
ASEAN counting on FTA enhancements to keep supply chains resilient in wartime
THE ASSOCIATION of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will strengthen and accelerate free trade agreements (FTAs) with partners like China, South Korea and Canada to...
Imported rice ‘blend’ being studied to keep prices low
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it is studying a proposal to blend imported and domestically produced rice to reduce costs paid by consumers.
Agriculture...
Philippine Q1 growth may slow amid Iran war
THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY likely slowed in the first quarter as the prolonged Middle East war weighed on activity, with growth expected to fall below recent quarters and miss the government’s full-year target, the Economy chief said.
UAE exit from OPEC may ease oil prices if output rises — analysts
THE UNITED Arab Emirates’ (UAE) exit from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) could benefit oil-importing countries like the Philippines if it leads to higher output and softer prices, analysts said.
Peso sinks to fresh all-time low on strong dollar, surge in oil prices
THE PESO fell to a fresh record against the dollar on Wednesday, weighed down by broad dollar strength and rising global oil prices amid expectations of prolonged supply disruptions in the Middle East and a hawkish outlook for US monetary policy.