ECCP at Work

GDP growth may slow further as price pressures mount

Philippine economic growth this year could slump to its slowest in nearly two decades as price pressures from the energy crisis compound already muted household spending and investments.

PH debt-to-GDP ratio seen to stay above 60%

The Philippines’ debt trajectory is expected to remain above the 60-percent level over the medium term as the oil-driven inflation shock and weaker growth outlook continue to weigh on the country’s fiscal position, according to the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD).

Senate turmoil seen weighing on confidence as stagflation risks rise

Recent political instability within the Philippine Senate is sparking fears of a decline in business and consumer confidence. Economists warn that these tensions, coupled with high inflation and an energy crisis, increase the risk of stagflation.

Palace upbeat about timely passage of 21 priority bills

Malacañang is confident of the timely passage of the 21 priority bills of the Marcos administration despite the recent change in the leadership of the Senate and the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.

Peso falls to new low of 61.64:$1

The Philippine peso hit a record low due to a strengthening US dollar and rising domestic political tensions. In response, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas may utilize its dollar reserves, which recently dropped to a decade-low, to stabilize the currency.

March loan growth at 7-month high

Philippine banks’ lending to businesses and consumers marked its fastest expansion in seven months in March, supported by robust liquidity in the financial system despite the Middle East conflict, preliminary Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data showed.

Fintech group backs BSP oversight of online lenders

The country’s largest financial technology industry group backed proposals to place online lending platforms under the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), saying centralized oversight could reduce regulatory gaps and streamline compliance.

Q1 foreign investment pledges surge 52.3%

Foreign investment commitments rose to P42.64 billion in the first quarter, marking a 52.3% year-on-year increase from 2025. Despite this growth, analysts remain cautious as total pledges hit a four-quarter low due to geopolitical risks and slowing domestic growth.

ADB offers PH additional $1.75B to manage impact of Middle East conflict

The Asian Development Bank has pledged $1.75 billion to help the Philippines navigate economic fallout and energy emergencies stemming from Middle East instability. The funding will support critical sectors, including domestic fertilizer security and social protection programs.

Demand spikes strain Luzon, Visayas grids

The Luzon and Visayas grids, which have been placed on yellow and red alerts on Wednesday, have set a new record high for electricity demand.

Airline fuel surcharge starting to wind down

Filipinos in need of cheaper flights soon may find a window until the end of May, as airline fuel surcharges will go down to their lowest level since reaching new highs.

DoF chief says EV incentive program to be released soon

The Department of Finance (DoF) said the government expects the release of the Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS) soon as agencies continue to coordinate on the proposed incentive package aimed at accelerating electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing in the Philippines.

DOTr scraps plan to merge LRT-1, MRT-3 contracts

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has dropped its plan to consolidate the operations and maintenance of two railways in Metro Manila, as the supposed proponent of the project failed to submit an offer.

EU, ASEAN deepen cooperation on workforce readiness

The EU and ASEAN have launched the "Closing the Gap Workshop 2026" in Malaysia to enhance regional skills development and workforce readiness. This initiative is part of the €9.3 million SCOPE-HE program, which aims to strengthen higher education connectivity through 2028.