FDI net inflows drop to $529M in Feb.
Net inflows of foreign direct investments (FDI) dropped sharply in February due to a high base. Uncertainty due to the Trump administration’s shifting policies also affected sentiment, leading to lower inflows. Latest BSP data showed that FDI net inflows declined by 61.9% to $529 million in February from $1.388 billion in the same month a year ago.

Analysts trim GDP outlook after poor Q1
Analysts have trimmed their Philippine growth forecasts for the year after the economy underperformed in the first quarter, reinforcing expectations that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) may need to cut interest rates further to spur demand.

DOF chief: Economic growth top priority of Marcos govt
Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto said that the administration remains committed to implementing the Philippine Development Plan, aimed at creating more jobs and reducing poverty, even if the midterm elections would introduce new dynamics in Congress.

New perks for carmakers being finalized
The government’s new incentive program for automotive vehicle manufacturers is now awaiting inputs from two more government agencies, inching closer to its final approval and potential rollout in the coming months.

Over 14,000 MW of new power projects set to go online by 2030
OVER 14,000 megawatts (MW) of new power projects nationwide are committed to go online in the next five years, according to the Department of Energy (DoE). Renewable energy projects made up nearly 82% of the total commitments with 11,625.31 MW in capacity, data from the DoE as of March 31 showed.

PHL construction industry’s modernization to boost resilience amid trade uncertainties
The Philippine construction industry can improve its resilience amid ongoing global trade uncertainties by modernizing its operations and strengthening domestic supply chains.

No approval yet for proposed air terminal enhancement fees
THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) said a proposal to collect airport terminal enhancement fee by the three air carriers remains under review. The carriers have requested a P150 terminal enhancement fee for domestic roundtrip flights and about P300 each way for international flights.

PSA reports sharp drop in rice prices
RICE prices were lower in April, based on the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Figures from the PSA indicate that the average wholesale quotation of regular milled rice dropped by 18.7 percent to P38.27 per kilo last month from P47.09 per kilo a year ago.

DOTr: Regional airports to be privatized in bundles
The government will start turning over regional airports in bundles to the private sector by 2026, with the P12.9-billion expansion of Davao’s gateway the first to undergo the process.

Exporters raise concerns, seek more government support
The country’s export industries are seeking more government support as they navigate the uncertainty brought by the United States reciprocal tariffs on trade partners.