ECCP at Work

A historic milestone for Philippine-European prosperity 

With both negotiating teams working swiftly to finalize technical provisions, our shared target is clear: securing the formal signing of the agreement by 2027. Policymakers on both sides must now move decisively toward ratification so both economies — and our citizens — can realize its benefits as quickly as possible.

PH, Slovak Republic sign deal to boost job, business opportunities 

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the agreement establishes a key bilateral platform to sustain dialogue and deepen cooperation on shared labor priorities.

EU entry opens a side door to Luzon Economic Corridor

THE European Union’s (EU) entry into the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) could give EU member states that have yet to formally join the infrastructure initiative a route to participate through bloc-backed projects, according to EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro.

$1B Taiwan bet adds heft to NCC’s tech

A TAIWANESE technology company has signed an agreement to establish a roughly $1-billion manufacturing facility in New Clark City, according to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

PHL, 7th fastest-improving tourism economy–WEF 

In the 10th edition of the WEF’s Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2026, the Philippines’s overall score grew by 5.5 percent from 2024 to 4.08 index points, or an increase by 9.6 percent since prepandemic 2019.’

PHL introduces most fossil fuel, RE policies in 2026
THE Philippines has introduced the most fossil fuel and renewable energy (RE) policies in the region from February to July this year.

BIR implements new excise tax suspension on LPG, kerosene

The government has temporarily suspended excise taxes on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene to shield consumers from rising global energy prices, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said on Monday, Sept. 28.

Meralco seeks ERC nod for P2.64 billion refund scheme

In its filing, the company proposed an average refund rate of P0.0487 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) across all customer classes over 12 months or until the full amount is refunded. Residential customers stand to receive a higher refund of P0.0828 per kWh, translating to savings of about P16.56 for households consuming 200 kWh a month. 

Regulator to penalize telcos for poor broadband service

THE National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) announced last Sunday it has prepared show cause orders (SCOs) against the country’s three mobile network operators, imposing a daily penalty of P100,000 each after its latest round of speed tests found no measurable improvement in their mobile broadband service in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Tripartite pact targets farm smuggling

OMBUDSMAN Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday welcomed the signing of a tripartite agreement among three key agencies in a bid to intensify the government’s effort to go after smugglers of agricultural products.  

Public infra may see 20% growth in H2–DBM 

When the flood control corruption scandal broke in July 2025, infrastructure spending had been down since the second half of last year due to stricter billing validation of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects. This year, infrastructure spending was cut to P1.272 trillion from P1.558 trillion, equivalent to 4.2 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP).

Philippine vehicle sales slump in August amid bad weather

PHILIPPINE AUTOMOTIVE SALES slumped to a four-month low in August, as weather disruptions and volatile oil prices weighed on demand, according to an industry report. However, electric vehicle (EV) sales surged during the month, reflecting Filipinos’ sustained interest in clean energy transport.

Metro Manila minimum wage hike takes effect

MINIMUM wage earners in the National Capital Region (NCR) started receiving a P60 daily wage increase on September 26, as Wage Order NCR-28 took full effect, the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) said.

Philippine firms turn less pessimistic in August

PHILIPPINE BUSINESS sentiment turned less pessimistic in August, even as firms worried about bad weather and elevated inflation that pushed up operating costs, a survey by the central bank showed.

BSP: Consumers less gloomy in Q3

Filipino consumers may have become more upbeat about the country’s economic prospects in the third quarter due to expectations of higher earnings, additional sources of income and more stable employment, but they expect inflation to accelerate faster.

Philippines’ gross borrowings plunge in August
THE NATIONAL Government’s (NG) gross borrowings plunged by 72.2% in August, as domestic borrowings fell sharply from a high base, offsetting a rise in foreign borrowings.