ECCP at Work

Foreign direct investment in ASEAN is 'highest level in history'

The region received $243.9 billion in foreign direct investments in 2025, which is "the highest level in its history, and fifth consecutive year in which the region received more than 200 billion USD in annual FDI inflows."

ASEAN wants to sell 11 nations as one single investment hub 

Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said the ministers convened for the 29th ASEAN Investment Area (AIA) Council Meeting on Saturday, Sept. 19, to monitor the progress of the ASEAN Regional Investment Promotion Action Plan (RIPAP).

LPG prices also going up 

DOE-Oil Industry Management Bureau director Rino Abad said the agency-mandated increases for Sept. 22 are P8.82 per liter for diesel, P4.88 for gasoline and P6.47 for kerosene.

BI fast-tracks body-worn cameras amid NAIA trafficking probe

“This is not simply about documenting our officers’ transactions. Body-worn cameras will reinforce accountability, transparency and monitoring, and serve as a deterrent against any personnel who might attempt to abuse their position,” BI Commissioner Viado said

$5.9-B 8-mo BOP deficit exceeds entire ’25 gap

THE Philippines’s persistent trade-in-goods deficit and net outflows from foreign portfolio investments widened the country’s balance of payments’ (BOP) eight-month deficit to a level that exceeded the $5.66-billion gap for the entire 2025.

Barclays sees BSP hiking rates in October as oil, record-low peso fan inflation risks

In a report last Friday, Sept. 18, Barclays Bank said it now sees the BSP further tightening monetary policy after raising the policy rate by 25 basis points (bps) to five percent last August.

Toyota Philippines cuts car output target as high fuel costs curb demand

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) is expecting a nearly six percent drop in vehicle production this year, as the country’s leading automotive firm scales down output amid weaker demand.

Intellectual property filings eye new record as innovation culture deepens

Intellectual property (IP) filings in the country are on track for a potential banner year amid a growing culture of innovation, according to the IP Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).

CICC pushes for stronger protection of digital economy investors, clients

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) is pushing for stronger cooperation to protect the public and business from cyber scams, especially amid efforts to attract more investors interested in entering the digital economy.

ASEAN, Japan agree on supply-chain resilience amid global risks

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Japan are strengthening cooperation on supply-chain resilience, energy security and regional economic stability amid rising geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainties and volatility in global energy markets.

NGCP moves to accelerate Mindoro-Panay grid link to ease Visayas power woes

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is seeking to fast-track the Mindoro-Panay interconnection project amid recurring grid alerts and supply deficits in Visayas.

ASEAN economy projected to grow by 4.5% in 2026

The ASEAN economy is projected to grow by 4.5 percent in 2026, according to the economic ministers of the regional bloc meeting in Manila over the weekend. This is slightly lower than 4.9 percent growth recorded in 2025, but it remains above the projected global growth rate of 3.0 percent.

Asean takes steps to protect trade amid Middle East crisis

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) members have agreed to provisionally implement an updated regional trade agreement ahead of its formal entry into force next year, a move aimed at deepening trade within the region amid disruptions from the continuing Middle East crisis.

ASEAN adopts voluntary early application of upgraded ATIGA

Any member state of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) may now voluntarily implement the upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) ahead of its entry into force in June 2027.

ASEAN, Hong Kong sign protocol to strengthen investment ties

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Hong Kong signed a protocol Sunday amending their investment agreement to enhance rules and facilitate greater two-way investment flows.

Govt ‘open’ to other forms of wealth tax, says DOF exec

THE Department of Finance (DOF) is leaving the door ajar for other wealth tax recommendations, beyond those already proposed under its Progress Bill, to scour for more sources of revenue.

‘Shore up purchasing power of middle-income aspirants’

THE Marcos administration may need to extend its subsidy programs to households in the “aspiring middle-income” bracket as weakening purchasing power threatens to put further brakes on economic growth this year, according to the Tokyo-based Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI).

AI gets new copyright rules from IPOPHL

USING artificial intelligence (AI) will not automatically disqualify a work from copyright registration under proposed guidelines from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), which instead focus on the human creativity behind the final work.

BOI: Evis to focus on 4-wheelers first

FOUR-WHEELERS will initially take the lead under the government’s Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (Evis) program, while officials leave open the possibility of extending support to two- and three-wheelers after six months.