ECCP at Work

DA wants rice imports suspended
The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday recommended to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. a suspension of rice imports and increased tariffs to protect local farmers amid declining farmgate prices.

Palace, lawmakers vow budget reform
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. gave assurances on Monday that no public funds will be “lost, misplaced or stolen” in the proposed national budget for 2026 and succeeding years as he keeps a closer watch on its preparation in Congress.

Philippine economy likely expanded by 5.5% in second quarter — poll
The Philippine economy likely grew 5.5% in the second quarter of 2025, slightly faster than the previous quarter, driven by strong household spending, easing inflation, and robust exports ahead of higher United States tariffs.

Easing inflation to lift consumer spending but household debt a risk
Easing inflation is expected to boost consumer spending this year, with average inflation projected at 2.2%, down from pre-pandemic levels. However, high household debt and debt servicing costs remain key risks to disposable income.

DA aims to amend Coconut Trust Fund Act for industry sustainability
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is pushing for the amendment of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act, citing its critical role in revitalizing the coconut sector.

BSP leverages open finance to expand PERA access
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has integrated open finance into the Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) system to make the government’s voluntary retirement savings program more accessible and user-friendly.

DHSUD eases rules to open subsidized housing to more OFWs
The government has relaxed the rules of its subsidized housing plan, called the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, to enable more overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to avail of socialized housing units regardless of their monthly incomes.

Inflation likely cooled further in July – analysts
Headline inflation likely slowed in July to as low as one percent – driven by base effects and moderating food prices – giving the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) more space to slash interest rates as early as this month to support economic growth.

SEC says no new tax, just standardization
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) clarified that the 20% tax on long-term deposit interest under Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act  (CMEPA) is not new but part of a tax standardization across all deposit types.

IPO pipeline seen to stay thin for remainder of 2025
IPO activity in the Philippines is expected to remain limited in 2025, with only three to four listings likely amid weak market sentiment and tariff-related uncertainties. Analysts say major IPOs like GCash or SM Prime’s REIT are unlikely to push through this year.

BSP to refine economic surveillance tools
The BSP is enhancing its surveillance tools by incorporating soft, real-time data and forward-looking surveys to guide policy. It is also developing a foreign exchange playbook to manage inflation risks. Additionally, the BSP updated its property price index using a more accurate hedonic method.

Exporters fear fallout from 19% Trump tariff
The 19% US tariff on Philippine goods has made it harder for local exporters to compete with better-supported Southeast Asian peers, prompting a push to explore new markets. While the headline rate appears steep, exemptions reduce the effective rate to just 6.3%.