ECCP at Work

Philippines gross foreign reserves slip to $104.1 billion by end-April

The Philippines’ gross foreign reserves dropped to $104.1 billion at the end of April, from $106.6 billion a month earlier, the central bank said on Thursday, citing preliminary data.

Philippines’ debt-to-GDP ratio hits 21-year high at end of March

The National Government (NG) debt as a share of gross domestic product (GDP) rose to 65.2% at the end of the first quarter, the highest ratio since 2005, data from the Bureau of the Treasury showed.

BSP says it may resort to ‘more drastic’ action if inflation expectations worsen

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) may resort to “more drastic” action to tame inflation as rising rice prices and transport fares threaten to de-anchor inflation expectations, a senior official said.

Philippine economy crawls by 2.8% in 1st quarter

The Philippine economy posted its slowest growth in five years in the first quarter as household spending softened, investments fell and global oil shocks weighed on confidence, prompting the government to lower its growth target for the year.

PH trade deficit worst in Asean

As regional leaders meet for the 2026 Asean Summit in Cebu to discuss regional cooperation and economic resilience, new trade data show where the Philippines stands in Southeast Asia.

PHL seen on track to enter top tier of WB’s B-Ready ranking by 2028

The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) said the Philippines is poised to enter the top 20% of countries assessed by the World Bank’s (WB) Business Ready (B-Ready) report by 2028. 

Gov’t urged to accelerate infra spending reforms after weak first-quarter growth

The government must accelerate reforms to improve infrastructure spending and ease cost pressures to help improve consumer confidence, following the weak performance of the economy in the first quarter, business groups said.

Inflation shock seen spreading beyond fuel

The April inflation shock may be an early sign that the fuel price surge is already spreading into food, logistics and other consumer costs, raising the risk of more persistent inflation even if oil prices ease in the coming months, analysts said.

Long‑term energy crisis worries Asean trade chiefs

Economic ministers of the 11‑member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) voiced concern that the energy crisis triggered by the US‑Israel war against Iran could have lasting effects on the region.

DA allocates ₱55-M for food testing labs

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has allocated P55 million to bankroll the rollout of nitrate-testing laboratories and enhance food safety amid stringent global regulatory standards.

Philippine inflation heats up to 3-year high in April

Elevated oil prices continued to feed into food and utility costs, pushing annual inflation to a three-year high of 7.2% in April, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said on Tuesday.

Philippine jobless rate jumps to 5% in March

The Philippine unemployment rate in March rose to 5%, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), as labor force participation declined with more Filipinos returning to school or focusing on household duties, while higher fuel costs triggered job losses in the fishing sector.

Philippines aviation registers fastest growth in SE Asia

The Philippine aviation industry is charting an optimistic path in the midst of oil price shocks, as it turned in the fastest growth in Southeast Asia for April, according to an aviation analyst.

Farm, fisheries output slips 0.3% in Q1

The value of Philippine agriculture and fisheries production slipped 0.3 percent in the first quarter as weaker crops and fisheries output offset gains in livestock and poultry, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Wednesday.

Bill seeks protection, benefits for freelancers, gig workers

Lawmakers are urging Congress to fast-track the passage of a measure that seeks to provide job protection and benefits for millions of Filipino freelancers and gig workers.