ECCP at Work

PIDS projects Philippine GDP to grow by 5% in 2025  

The economy is expected to rebound in the final months of 2025 after a third-quarter slowdown, with the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) projecting a more optimistic 5-percent full-year growth in gross domestic product (GDP).

Growth slump may drag until 2027 — Deutsche Bank

The Philippines’ economic slowdown may extend through 2027, raising the odds of deeper monetary easing by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), according to Deutsche Bank Research.

Senate OKs budget on 2nd reading

The Philippine Senate on Thursday approved on second reading the P6.793-trillion budget for 2026, slashing funds for the Public Works department and cutting deeply into unprogrammed appropriations as lawmakers confront intensifying public anger over corruption allegations in the government’s spending process.

DA trims 2025 palay forecast anew

The government has dialed down its production outlook for palay in 2025, with the latest estimate now slightly below its earlier target as recent typhoons dampened projected fourth-quarter output.

Government slashes export targets for 2025-2028

The government has lowered export targets for 2025 to 2028, projecting total exports to reach up to $135 billion by 2028, down from the previous goal of $240.5 billion, amid global uncertainties.

SEC’s Lim sees stable regulation as key to closing investment gap

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Francisco Ed. Lim said he considers stable regulation, continuity of operations, and upholding ESG standards to hold the key to closing the Philippines’ investment deficit relative to its ASEAN neighbors.

Growing economies, climate threats drive SEA space data boom

Southeast Asia is seeing soaring demand for space data as fast-growing economies in the region confront rising climate and disaster risks, with experts stressing the need for collaboration across borders.

DA prepares for hiring surge in food-production push by new laws

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is preparing for a wave of major hiring as recently enacted and pending laws aimed at strengthening food production are expected to create demand for thousands of agriculturists, veterinarians and allied professionals.

Powering Up: Future-proofing the Philippine energy mix

A future-proof energy plan starts with a diverse portfolio of sources, and the Philippines has its eyes set on building a cleaner, stronger, and affordable energy mix.

BSP: Slow growth raises rate cut odds

The Philippine economy will likely undershoot the target this year amid spending cuts and weak investor sentiment due to the graft scandal, increasing the possibility of further easing this month,  Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. said.

PHL may grow below target until 2027

The Philippine economy is expected to miss the government’s growth targets this year until 2027, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) said.

Fintech, digital banks unite to boost financial health

The country’s financial technology (fintech) and digital banking industries unveiled three major initiatives aimed at improving financial health and supporting inclusive digital transformation, showcasing the sector’s growing collaboration with regulators and policymakers.

After global award for local rice, DA pushes for more breeder innovation

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is urging rice breeders to continue the development of local varieties after the Philippine Rice Research Institute’s (PhilRice) Mabango 3 rice variant was recognized at the World’s Best Rice 2025 Awards.

Govt reviews two unsolicited offers for Agus-Pulangi hydro complex privatization

The Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) said it has been vetting two unsolicited proposals for the privatization of the Agus-Pulangi hydropower complex in Mindanao.

‘Generational fluency’ a must for workplaces, say experts

Philippine companies’ workplace policies must leverage open communication and flexibility to manage employees of different age groups, which could help boost firms’ productivity and competitiveness, experts said.

Air traffic closing in on new record high

Philippine air traffic is on pace to set a new record in the post-pandemic period, especially as the international segment is close to touching 2019 levels, according to the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB).

PHL must get ‘house in order’ for AI, Unesco says

The country has yet to fully get its “house in order” to maximize the country’s potential in artificial intelligence (AI), according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco).

Bill prohibits telcos’ arbitrary data expiration

The House of Representatives on Wednesday unanimously approved on third and final reading a measure designed to ensure that Filipinos receive the full value of the internet services they pay for by addressing arbitrary data expiration policies.

Tatak Pinoy strategy may boost Philippine manufacturing amid factory slump

The Philippine government is leaning on its so-called Tatak Pinoy strategy, including a push for local procurement, to revive domestic manufacturing after factory activity hit a four-year low in November, officials said.

Marcos cuts 2025 property taxes for power producers to avert fiscal, energy risks

Executive Order (EO) No. 106, issued on Nov. 28 and published on Wednesday, lowers this year’s property-tax liabilities of IPPs —including special education fund charges —  operating under build-operate-transfer and similar contracts with government-owned firms.