ECCP at Work

VAT relief for system loss charges out by September

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) eyes the issuance of a circular removing value-added tax (VAT) on the allowable system loss charge in electricity bills by mid-September.

Philippines’ fiscal deficit-to-GDP ratio to further narrow until 2027

THE PHILIPPINES’ fiscal deficit-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio will likely narrow until 2027 as the government’s tax reforms are expected to boost revenue mobilization, the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) said.

‘Exports must be more competitive to ease pressure on the peso’

The government needs to address structural constraints that have kept exports from keeping pace with imports, which has left the country vulnerable to peso depreciation. This would require diversifying the country’s sources of growth, particularly by developing its manufacturing and export industries.

SEC pushes ‘bankable’ climate projects to draw more capital

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is pushing for climate adaptation projects that can attract financing at scale, as regulators seek to channel more private capital toward climate resilience in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

Development of remaining geothermal reserves hangs

THE National Geothermal Association of the Philippines (Ngap) is requesting government  support for the remaining geothermal reserves.

PH exports hit record $54.9B in 7 months

Philippine merchandise exports from January to July reached a fresh peak of $54.92 billion, driven primarily by booming electronics and semiconductor shipments as the country attempts to replicate the banner year it had in 2025.

PAL beefs up long-haul fleet with fourth Airbus A350-1000

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is strengthening its long-haul fleet with the addition of its fourth Airbus A350-1000. The new aircraft reinforces PAL’s commitment to providing customers with a world-class travel experience.

DA pushes national land use law to protect farmlands

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said enacting a national land use law is critical to identifying and protecting prime agricultural lands, allowing the government and private sector to focus investments on areas that can sustain long-term food production.

How haze from Indonesian fires impacts Southeast Asia

Thick smog has blanketed parts of Indonesia as the vast archipelago for weeks battles to contain fires that have burned large swathes of Borneo and Sumatra.

DFA eyes new PH passport with enhanced security features in 2028

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is planning to issue the Next Generation Philippine passport with enhanced security features in 2028.

Palace set to release ₱300 million for Bukidnon Airport’s completion

Marcos administration prepares to infuse an additional P300 million under the proposed 2027 national budget to complete the project next year. The airport has received a total of P3.17 billion in government funding. Of this amount, P1.360 billion has been allocated under the Marcos administration.