ECCP at Work

Malnutrition costs PHL $8.5 billion yearly — World Bank advisor

Poor nutrition can affect an individual’s psychological and mental capacity, which in turn affects productivity and the ability to contribute to communities and the economy, Ms. Santos-Acuin said during the ECCP’s fifth annual Nutrition Forum.

Philippines projected to be second fastest-growing economy in SE Asia until 2035

THE PHILIPPINES could emerge as Southeast Asia’s second fastest-growing major economy over the next decade, with growth averaging 5.8% through 2035, according to a report by Bain & Company, DBS Group Holdings, and Vriens & Partners.

ASEAN ministers to meet on disaster management 

The conference will focus on how ASEAN countries can translate regional and global disaster resilience commitments into implementation, covering disaster risk reduction, preparedness, anticipatory action, emergency response, recovery, financing, innovation and whole-of-society resilience.

Sugary drink tax hike may raise P34B for PhilHealth

Finance Undersecretary Karlo Fermin Adriano presented the projections as he urged lawmakers to approve higher excise taxes on sweetened beverages. The Department of Finance (DOF) estimates the proposal could generate about P74.78 billion in additional revenue each year.

Visayas grid placed under red alert anew 

Since the start of the year, the Visayas grid has recorded 40 red and 104 yellow alerts. The NGCP said three major coal-fired power plants in the Visayas remained offline, while electricity imports from Mindanao were limited.

Alternergy plans P2-B fundraising for renewable energy projects

RENEWABLE ENERGY producer Alternergy Holdings Corp. plans to raise P2 billion through green fixed-rate notes to support its project pipeline.

Gov’t cancels five-year FXTN offering

THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT has canceled its planned issuance of new fixed-rate Treasury notes (FXTN) this month as borrowing costs surged and the peso further weakened.

Bonded storage system set up for jet fuel used internationally

The Bureau of Customs (BoC) has established a bonded storage facility for aviation fuel, allowing international airlines to avoid paying taxes upfront and seek refunds later with the government seeking to reduce their operating costs.

System-loss VAT relief seen limited; deeper reforms urged

The removal of value-added tax (VAT) on allowable system loss charges will provide modest relief to electricity consumers, but broader power sector reforms are still needed to meaningfully bring down electricity costs, economists said. 

Two-wheeled EVs proposed for inclusion in gov’t incentive plan

THE Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) asked the government to consider including two- and three-wheeled vehicles in its Electric Vehicle Incentives Strategy (EVIS), noting that their adoption is crucial to meeting government clean-mobility targets.

Leading Indian carrier IndiGo applies to offer PHL services

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Indian low-cost airline IndiGo, that country’s top carrier by passenger totals, has applied with regulators to undertake direct flights to Manila from Mumbai and Delhi.

High bond yields complicate Philippine government’s push to boost spending

ELEVATED BOND YIELDS could put further pressure on the national budget by raising government borrowing costs and interest payments just as the administration seeks to ramp up spending to support the Philippine economy.

PHL must brace for slowing remittances

THE Philippine economy should brace for a period of continued slowdown in cash remittance flows, or the money sent home by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) after its year-to-date value grew at the slowest pace in six years as Filipino workers abroad are being stretched too thin by war-tied inflation and other economic challenges.

DOE expects volatile oil prices to continue

THE country will continue to experience volatile fuel prices as the conflict in the Middle East intensifies. As of September 11, 2026, the country had an estimated 57.17 days of gasoline supply, 60.80 days of diesel, 124.57 days of kerosene, 60.56 days of jet fuel, 42.29 days of fuel oil, and 39.27 days of LPG.

Philippines joins CDRI

CDRI is a global coalition committed to strengthening infrastructure resilience against climate and disaster risks. The Philippines was formally welcomed as CDRI’s 71st member during the President’s meeting with coalition officials in New Delhi, India.

Geopolitical turmoil, cyberattacks top risks to financial stability

Geopolitical tensions, cyberattacks and global supply chain disruptions are among the key risks financial institutions are watching closely, a central bank-led government group said. The risks were identified in the annual Survey of Salient Risks by the Financial Stability Coordination Council (FSCC), …

Diesel seen up by as much as P10.50 per liter next week

Motorists need to tighten their belts as local oil firms plan to impose massive oil price hikes of up to P10.50 per liter next week, driven by worsening geopolitical conflicts.

DoE terminates coal block auction

THE DEPARTMENT of Energy (DoE) will no longer pursue its planned coal block auction this year, which would have included the country’s largest mine operated by Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC).

Taiwan official floats potential semiconductor tie-ups with PHL

James C. F. Huang, Taiwan External Trade Development Council chairman, said Taipei is actively exploring partnerships with foreign partners, including the Philippines, to complement its growing tech manufacturing ecosystem.