ECCP at Work

Global oil prices jump above 3.5% on renewed US-Iran fighting

Oil prices opened sharply higher on Monday after the United States launched a wave of attacks on Iran and as Tehran announced it would close the Strait of Hormuz. A barrel of international benchmark Brent crude for September delivery rose 3.75% to $78.86 at around 2210 GMT on Sunday.

DoE eyes stricter fuel pricing rules

The Department of Energy (DoE) is set to tighten fuel price guidance as fresh developments in the Middle East threaten to drive pump prices higher, its top official said. Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said that renewed tensions in the Middle East are putting upward pressure on global oil prices amid concerns over possible supply disruptions.

As economic recovery stays fragile: security bank downgrades PH 2026 growth outlook to 4%

Security Bank Corp. cut its 2026 growth forecast to 4 percent from 4.2 percent, warning that the economy’s expected second-half rebound remains fragile after weak household spending, subdued business sentiment, and a widening trade deficit restrained activity in the first six months. 

‘Price pressures to keep BSP on rate-hiking path’
Headline inflation may have already peaked, but persistent underlying price pressures, wage adjustments and looming food supply risks could keep the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on a tightening path for the rest of the year, economists said.

EU urges full implementation of 2016 arbitral award on 10th year 

The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to international maritime law, saying the 2016 arbitral award on the South China Sea remains final and legally binding on both the Philippines and China. In a statement on Sunday marking the 10th anniversary of the ruling, the EU's high representative said the award must be respected and fully implemented as a key step toward the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Ph, Germany boost climate action, biodiversity protection 

The Climate Change Commission (CCC), in partnership with the Federal Republic of Germany, is strengthening coordinated project implementation to boost local climate action and protect biodiversity through the Transformative Actions for Climate and Ecological Protection and Development (TRANSCEND) Project. 

BOI-approved investments jump 21%

The Board of Investments (BOI) has approved P461.84 billion worth of investments in the first half of 2026, mainly in renewable energy and real estate sectors. In a statement on Sunday, the BoI said approvals in the six-month period jumped by 21% from the P382.24 billion recorded last year.

Stocks, peso weaken head of fresh market catalysts 

The local bourse and the peso opened the week lower as cautious investors stood on the sidelines ahead of fresh market catalysts. The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) fell 0.33 percent to 6.265.72, while All Shares also declined 0.30 percent to 3,383.23. Except for Services which rose by 0.41 percent, all sectors closed in the negative territory. Mining and Oil recorded the biggest decline at 2.27 percent.

Philippine bets on longer runways to cut airfare 

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is banking on longer airport runways and expanded regional airport capacity to help bring down domestic airfares, as the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) expects the Philippine aviation industry to recover in the second half of 2026 despite global economic headwinds.

PERA contributions hit over P750M as enrollees surge at end of June

Filipinos’ contributions in Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) surged in the first half of the year as the number of enrollees increased nearly fivefold from last year, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed. 

SUCs may tap P12.3B to cover free tuition shortfall as of 2025

State universities and colleges (SUCs) may tap a combined P12.31 billion in government funds to cover deficiencies in the implementation of free higher education from academic years (AY) 2022 to 2025, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said.