ECCP at Work

What Marcos said in his fourth SONA, from A-Z
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) began with a somber admission that Filipinos are currently "disappointed" with government services, then ended with fiery promises to go after those behind failed flood control projects.

U.S. tariff flare-up stirs business divide
European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) Executive Director Florian Gottein said the imposition of the 19-percent tariff sends a strong signal to the government to consider other markets, especially the European Union (EU).

Philippine central bank on track for two more rate cuts in 2025
The Philippine central bank is committed to maintaining its easing bias and is on course to cut policy rates twice this year, its governor said on Monday, though the timing will depend on economic growth and inflation.

DBM backs raising health spending but cites fiscal hurdles
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said a bill that will set a floor to healthcare spending of 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) is likely to run into fiscal and constitutional hurdles.

Energy policy review by ADB ‘dangerously short,’ say Asian CSOs
Civil society organizations (CSOs) across Asia have raised concerns that the latest energy policy review of Manila-based multilateral, Asian Development Bank (ADB), may be “dangerously short” and could undermine the need for transparent consultations.

Agri damage, loss due to cyclones hit P2.4B; tons of palay down the drain
Agriculture damage and losses due to the southwest monsoon and Tropical Cyclones Crising, Dante and Emong, have reached P2.34 billion, latest data validated by the Department of Agriculture showed.

Cybercrime agency seeks P900 million budget for 2026
The government’s lead agency for cybercrime response is seeking nearly P900 million in funding for 2026 to scale up its assets and manpower as threats become more prevalent online.

Gov’t borrowings up 78% in June on wider-than-expected deficit
The Marcos administration’s borrowings rose by 78% in June 2025, bringing total first-half borrowing to P1.6 trillion, or 62% of the full-year target. The increase was driven by a wider budget deficit and higher external loans, while domestic borrowing declined year-on-year.

Meralco expects 2025 profit to surpass last year’s P45.1B
Meralco expects its 2025 earnings to surpass last year’s ₱45.1 billion, boosted by higher revenues and distribution volumes. Chairman Manny Pangilinan also hopes MGreen’s backdoor listing via SPNEC will push through within the year, as part of Meralco's ongoing renewable energy expansion.

Basic Energy sees closing electric vehicle charging deal in Q3
Basic Energy Corp. (BEC) is close to finalizing a partnership with a local Electric Vehicle charging firm this quarter to expand charging stations nationwide through its renewable energy subsidiary. The upcoming stations will support both private and public electric vehicles, building on its pilot site in Mandaluyong City.

FPI urges more reforms to boost PH industry
The Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) urged the Marcos administration to fully implement the Tatak Pinoy Act and CREATE MORE Act to strengthen domestic manufacturing and fair trade.