ECCP at Work

Unemployment, underemployment rates up in April from March
The Philippines' unemployment and underemployment rates continued to edge up in April, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed on Friday.

Philippine market tagged best in SE Asia on slowing inflation
In its Regional Market Outlook, Singapore’s DBS Bank maintained its 6,900 yearend target for the Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi), citing that “key factors that weighed down the Philippine equities market in the last 24 months have turned favorable.”

Senate on track in passing Ledac bills; Chiz says this vindicates decision to frontload these ahead of impeachment
The Senate is on track to passing priority bills listed by the LEDAC before it bows out, Senate President Chiz Escudero said Monday, as he attributed this completion rate to the decision to frontload the Ledac bills by resetting from June 2 to June 11 the convening of the impeachment court to try Vice President Sara duterte.

RoW law amendments deemed critical for PHL competitiveness
The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) said amendments to the Right-of-Way (RoW) law are needed to address a “national crisis of competitiveness.”

FDA adds 10 more drugs to VAT-free medications
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has added 10 drug products to its list of essential medicines exempted from the 12-percent value-added tax (VAT), making them more affordable to Filipinos.

Escudero says wage hike bills not priority of LEDAC
Bills looking to raise the minimum daily wage are not a priority of the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council or LEDAC, Senate President Francis Escudero said on Monday.

Global rice prices increased in May as demand grew
Higher prices of fragrant rice varieties and strong demand, coupled with exchange rate adjustments, pushed up benchmark international rice prices in May, according to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Japan debt watcher affirms Philippines’ ‘A-’ rating
The JAPAN Credit Rating Agency (JCR) has again maintained the Philippines’ “A-” rating with a “stable” outlook, citing the country’s resilient economic growth and continued fiscal consolidation. In a news release on Thursday, JCR affirmed the country’s foreign currency and local currency long-term issuer rating at “A-” and kept its “stable” outlook.

Digital media consumption, spending among Filipinos up in 2024
Digital media consumption rose among Filipinos in the past year as avid gamers and watchers of TV series spent millions of dollars more to access online content, according to a study by media company We Are Social and consumer insights firm Meltwater.

DOTr seeks review of right-of-way rules
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to reassess its legal opinion that could obstruct right-of-way (ROW) acquisition for the country’s biggest rail projects.

Marcos: No EDSA rehab without solid rerouting plans, LGU preps
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday said the long-awaited rehabilitation of tbe 23.8-kilometer Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) will not push through unless comprehensive rerouting plans are in place and local government units (LGUs) are fully prepared to handle the expected disruptions.

Proposed bill to lower food prices, create jobs up for Marcos’ approval
The proposed Livestock Development and Competitiveness Act, a measure that aims to lower food prices and expand livelihood opportunities, is now up for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, according to House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Philippine consumers embracing minimalism, authenticity, study says
A study by Japanese international advertising and public relations firm Dentsu titled Dentsu Philippines 2025 Consumer and Media Trends Report identified six key shifts shaping consumer behavior.

Geothermal investments gaining steam – ADB
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) expects the government’s geothermal de-risking facility to unlock fresh investments that could boost the Philippines’ standing on the global stage.

BSP: Banks’ bad loans rose to 5-month high in April 2025
Bad debts in Philippine banks rose to a five-month high in April, with nonperforming loans reaching 3.39% of total lending, likely due to higher unemployment and weak demand affecting borrowers' ability to repay.

PSEi seen moving in 6,300-6,600 range
Investors are expected to react to the country’s “worse unemployment rate” and monitor global trade developments this week.

Philippine debt service bill bloats on heavier amortizations
The Marcos administration’s debt service burden got heavier in April as the government paid P280.9 billion to creditors, 74-percent bigger than a year ago, due to higher amortizations.

PSE accounts rise toward 3-M mark on growth in digital trading
The number of Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) accounts surged by 50 percent to 2.86 million in 2024, the highest since tracking began, driven mainly by millennials and Gen Zs using digital platforms.