PH Economic Growth Skids to 2.8% in Q1, Weakest Since Pandemic | ANC
Philippines' first‑quarter 2026 GDP grew 2.8%, the slowest pace since the pandemic and the weakest since Q4 2009 when the pandemic is excluded. The Marcos administration said it will reassess its growth targets for the remaining two years of its term. The services sector posted a 4.5% expansion, but agriculture, forestry, fishing and industry recorded negative growth. Analysts cite the lingering fallout from the flood‑control scandal, delayed approval of the 2026 national budget, and the broader impact of the Middle‑East conflict, higher oil prices and supply‑chain disruptions as primary drags. Secretary Arsenio Balisacan warned the Development Budget Coordination Committee will meet to possibly lower the 2026 growth outlook from the current 5‑6% range. Despite the slowdown, exporters generated $112 billion in revenue and the BPO industry reached $40 billion, and some business groups remain cautiously optimistic. If the target is cut, it could reshape investor sentiment, pressure fiscal policy and erode the Philippines' reputation as a fast‑growing ASEAN economy, prompting tighter reforms and stimulus measures.
PSEi Shrugs Off Slower GDP Growth, Returns to 6,000 Level | ANC
Philippine shares rose for a second consecutive day, pushing the PSEi back above the 6,000 mark even as the latest GDP data showed a modest 2.8% growth, well below expectations. The rally was largely fueled by optimism that the United...
PAGASA Urges Gov't to Prepare for Possible Effects of El Niño | ANC
The Philippine weather agency Pagasa has issued an El Niño alert, warning that there is an 80 percent probability the climate pattern will develop between June and August, potentially lasting until early 2027. The agency says the phenomenon is likely to materialize...
Logico on Salaknib Drills: We're Rehearsing Ground Ops for Mutual Defense of Northern Luzon | ANC
On Thursday, the Philippine Army and U.S. Army conducted a live‑fire exercise using the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) as part of the 2024 Salaknib Exercise. The drill highlighted the U.S. Army’s long‑range precision fire capability and gave Filipino...
PSEi Caps Shortened Trading Week with Modest Gains | ANC
Philippine shares closed the shortened trading week with modest gains as the PSEi tracked a regional rebound—the first weekly rise in Asia since the Middle East conflict began—while investors remained cautious ahead of U.S.–Iran talks. Market participants described the session...
Financial Institutions Say Iran War Pulling Down PH Growth | ANC
Financial institutions warn that the Iran‑related Middle East conflict is dragging down Philippine economic growth. The war has spiked global oil prices, inflating the Philippines' import bill as it sources over 80% of its refined petroleum abroad. Central bank officials...
PH Agriculture Department Moves to Assist Transport of Goods
The Philippine government is rolling out multiple measures to shield citizens from record-high fuel costs that are driving up transport and food prices. The Agriculture Department will subsidize farm inputs and assist with transport of produce while the Labor Department...
Groups File Graft Complaints Against Ex-Usec. Bersamin, Olaivar over Alleged Kickback Scheme
Progressive groups filed graft and grave-misconduct complaints at the Office of the Ombudsman against former Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin and ex-Education Undersecretary Trajiv Olaivar, accusing them of involvement in a kickback scheme tied to budget insertions. Complainants...
Price Hike Looms for Cooking Gas, Power Rates
Philippine consumers face steep increases in both cooking gas and electricity as the global oil crisis ripples through local markets. Regulators and industry players warn that LPG prices could jump P35‑P40 per kilo in April, translating to an extra ₱385‑₱440...
Asian Markets up as AI Woes Subside
Asian equities extended gains for a fourth day as investor fears over AI-driven disruption eased, with South Korea’s KOSPI and Japan’s benchmark hitting fresh records. Nvidia’s stellar results drew only a muted rally amid warnings that the AI sector may...