ECCP at Work

Philippines’ BoP deficit sharply narrows in January

The Philippines’ balance of payments (BoP) deficit sharply narrowed to $373 million in the first month of 2026, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported.

Philippine central bank faces huge uncertainty in policymaking, says governor

Philippine central bank Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. on Friday reiterated that policymakers face a “large element of uncertainty” which could complicate decision-making.

Marina, IMO tackle maritime issues; Locsin flags threats

The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) moved to strengthen cooperation on key maritime issues during a high-level visit to Manila this week. 

DOE sets rules on non-RE power facilities

Non-renewable energy (RE) power facilities, such as coal-fired power plants, must not operate beyond their economic life, according to a newly-released circular of the Department of Energy (DOE).

Gov’t, critical infra to be governed by DICT cybersecurity protocols

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said it is developing cybersecurity protocols for government agencies and entities responsible for digital infrastructure.

LRT-1 sees daily ridership to hit 450k

The daily ridership of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) is poised to reach the pre-pandemic level of 450,000 this year, driven by the line’s south expansion and state-mandated free rides.

More airlines join Naia’s self check-in, e-gates rollout

Automated gates and self-check-in kiosks at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) are now available to more airlines.

Marcos admin still hopeful it can achieve PDP targets by 2028

The Marcos administration is still optimistic it can meet its goals under the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) even after missing its growth and fiscal targets since 2023.

Airlines back removal of travel tax

Airline operators expressed support for the removal of the travel tax, noting how discontinuing the tax would boost passenger demand and lower the cost of travel.

AS ASEAN 2026 CHAIR, PH TO WOO INVESTMENT AS REGIONAL HUB

The Philippines will step up efforts to draw global fund interest as a regional investment hub during its ASEAN chairmanship this year and accelerate implementation of its medium-term development program, the economic planning body said.

IT-BPM sector feeling pinch from AI, cyber security risks

The country’s IT and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry has always been touted as a booming sector, providing jobs, driving local economies and bolstering export figures. However , some companies have begun reporting significant job losses as the inroads from artificial intelligence have begun to be felt.

DPWH eyes green lane initiative for contractors

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is looking to work with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) in setting up a green lane to encourage legitimate contractors to take part in government projects as part of efforts to rebuild public trust and fight corruption.

Financial system resources hit P36.9T in 2025

The total resources of the Philippine financial system climbed by 8.08% year on year to nearly P37 trillion at the end of 2025, preliminary central bank data showed. 

DA to set up Philippines’ first agri-insurance pool

The Department of Agriculture (DA), with support from the World Bank, is setting up the country’s first agricultural co-insurance pool to expand private sector participation in agricultural insurance and improve coverage for semi-commercial and commercial farmers.

BSP fine-tunes monetary operations

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has streamlined its term deposit facility and short-term securities to one tenor each to strengthen monetary policy transmission and encourage banks to better manage their own liquidity, while assuring markets that the move is a fine-tuning measure and not a response to any disruption.

DA boosts coffee industry

The Department of Agriculture has created the Coffee Industry Development Office to centralize coffee projects and funding, aiming to improve productivity, strengthen farmer competitiveness, and reduce reliance on imports amid growing global and domestic demand.

Banks seen to focus on infra, consumption

Philippine banks are expected to move away from rapid expansion toward more disciplined, targeted lending in 2026, focusing on priority sectors like infrastructure and consumption as financial system growth remains solid but more measured, economists said.