ECCP at Work

ECCP sees untapped potential in PH organic agriculture

The Philippines has an opportunity to expand its organic agriculture sector as local farmlands are less degraded than those of more industrialized agricultural economies, according to the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), which urged the government to make industry data publicly available and reopen discussions on the country’s organic standards.

Philippine manufacturing PMI hits 5-month high in July

Philippine manufacturing activity rose to a five-month high in July, as production and new orders grew at the fastest pace since February, S&P Global said. The S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) improved to 51.8 in July from 50.9 in June. July also marked the third straight month of expansion, in line with the long-run average.

Cautious trading ahead of inflation, GDP data 

Cautious trading is seen prevailing this week as investors keep an eye on upcoming key macroeconomic data releases. The Philippine Stock Exchange index ended in the red Friday at 6.236.44, down by 0.71 percent week-on-week, as bearishness persisted as the war in the Middle East caused another oil rally while the peso hit another record low.

Maharlika eyes ₱35-billion investments, ₱3.3-billion profit for 2026

Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC), the Philippines' sovereign wealth fund manager, is aiming to generate ₱3.3 billion in core net income this year, supported by steady dividend income as it accelerates capital deployment to about ₱35 billion by year-end.

ERC orders Meralco to return P9.5 billion to customers

A typical Meralco household may see its monthly electricity bill fall by about P117 as the utility refunds P9.5 billion in overcollections to more than 8 million customers. The Energy Regulatory Commission ordered Meralco to implement the refund over six months or until the full amount has been returned to customers, the STAR reported.

Government wants higher renewable energy charges for 2027

Consumers may face higher renewable energy charges on their power bills as the National Transmission Corp. (TransCo) seeks to raise the feed-in tariff allowance (FIT-All) next year. In a filing with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), TransCo proposed a FIT-All rate of P0.2154 per kilowatt-hour for 2027, slightly higher than the current P0.2011 per kWh.

LTFRB to meet with transport groups on Monday to discuss fare hike petitions

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board will meet transport groups on Monday, August 3, to discuss petitions for fare increases tied to rising fuel costs. LTFRB chairman Vigor Mendoza II said the talks will cover jeepneys, UV Express vehicles, motorcycle taxis and taxis.