ECCP at Work

Total approved investments down 2% to P1.92 trillion in 2025

Investment pledges approved by investment promotion agencies (IPAs) declined by two percent in 2025, amid governance issues and global trade uncertainties that affected investor sentiment.

Over P18 billion NGCP projects up for completion in 2026

The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) is advancing seven transmission projects totaling P18.5 billion this year to expand and upgrade the country’s electrical superhighway.

PHL urged to phase out VAT exemptions for seniors, schools

The Philippines should reduce fiscal incentives and phase out value-added tax (VAT) exemptions for senior citizens and private education to trim debt and narrow the budget deficit, the Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development (OECD) said.

DOF sees BOC revenue finally hitting ₱1T this year

The Department of Finance (DOF) is pushing to hit a long-elusive P1-trillion customs revenue target this year, but such attainment will hinge on stable economic conditions.

Prophet of Boom: PHL to hit UMIC status this September

Despite last year’s economic slowdown and widespread job losses, the so-called “Prophet of Boom” believes the Philippines remains on track to achieve upper middle-income country (UMIC) status within the year.

CAAP to roll out airport development initiatives to lower travel costs

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Thursday said it is already set to implement several airport development initiatives in an effort to make domestic air travel more accessible and affordable.

OECD says Philippines must confront fiscal gap, reduce tax perks

The Philippines must step up efforts to reduce its persistent budget deficits and consider paring back fiscal incentives to help it sustain its economic momentum, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development.

DTI eyes more investments in aerospace manufacturing

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is looking to attract investments in aerospace manufacturing and services as well as sustainable aviation fuel, an official said.

ADB sees tax compliance, process upgrades as key to boosting ease of doing business

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said improving tax processes and compliance remains critical to boosting ease of doing business (EoDB). 

Marcos approves 21 priority measures, including travel tax abolition bill

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday approved the priority consideration of 21 bills during the meeting of the third Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) of the 20th Congress in Malacañang, which are targeted to be passed on or before June this year. 

Philippines falls in corruption index, among worst in SEA

Mirroring trends observed in other parts of the world, perceived levels of public sector corruption in the Philippines worsened in 2025, coinciding with the widespread scandal surrounding flood control projects.

FDI net inflows hit 4-month high

Net inflows of foreign direct investments (FDIs) into the Philippines hit a four-month high in November, even as inflows slipped year on year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said.   

Philippines sinks to new low in corruption perceptions index

The Philippines fell six spots to its worst-ever ranking in 2025 in a global corruption perceptions index by Transparency International, as the country grappled with a corruption scandal that slowed economic growth and weighed on investor and consumer confidence.

Philippine banks’ loan growth slows to near 2-year low

The Philippine banking sector’s lending activity expanded at its slowest pace in nearly two years at the end of 2025 as loans for both consumers and business activities eased as a corruption scandal dampened sentiment, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported. 

DA eyes higher tariffs on sugar substitutes to protect local industry

The Department of Agriculture is studying an increase in tariffs on sugar substitutes, potentially raising the current 5% duty, to curb rising imports and protect the domestic sugar industry.