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The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is intensifying efforts to attract more shipbuilders to its economic zones, capitalizing on rising global demand. With South Korean shipyards nearing capacity, opportunities for expanded investment in the Philippines are anticipated.
The Philippines' Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) expects to award the major span of the $3.91-billion Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge project by September. The bridge, crossing Manila Bay, is anticipated to boost regional economic integration and development.
Philippine domestic trade saw a significant decline in Q2 due to high inter-island transport costs and infrastructure gaps. Experts emphasize port and shipping improvements, along with logistics digitalization, are vital for an efficient domestic market.
The Philippine Overseas Construction Board (POCB) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) have signed a memorandum of agreement to upskill Filipino construction workers deployed overseas. This initiative aims to enhance the global competitiveness of the workforce and foster industry development.
The Philippine government anticipates that 46 economic zones proclaimed under the Marcos administration will attract P141.2 billion in investments and generate approximately 189,000 jobs, aiming to boost provincial economies and decentralize development.
Tropical Cyclone Pilandok intensified into a tropical storm on Tuesday, according to PAGASA. It remains far from Philippine territory with low chances of making landfall, but strong winds from the Southwest Monsoon are still a concern.
Following the arrest of 13 activists protesting mining exploration in Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines, Bishop Jose Elmer Mangalinao of Bayombong has called for fair law enforcement and dialogue with residents. He emphasized that poverty does not diminish rights and urged authorities and companies to listen to community concerns.
The Philippine Office of the President (OP) is requesting P10.158 billion for 2027, a significant decrease from previous years, with P4.58 billion earmarked for confidential and intelligence funds. This has sparked debate in Congress regarding transparency in the use of public funds.
The Philippine Senate impeachment court has identified circulating social media photos allegedly showing witness Lemuel Ortonio wearing an earpiece as AI-generated fakes. The court reiterated strict rules to prevent undue influence on witnesses during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is closely monitoring air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR) and surrounding areas due to haze potentially linked to forest fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, with multiple stations registering 'Acutely Unhealthy' to 'Very Unhealthy' levels.
A recent archaeological excavation in Lanao del Sur, Philippines, is challenging the historical account of the 1903 "Battle of Kota Kalawi." Findings show no evidence of the intense fighting described in American records, suggesting the battle may have been a "historical hoax."
The death toll from the combined effects of Tropical Cyclones Luis, Maymay, and Neneng, along with the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), has risen to 34 across the Philippines. Landslides, floods, and electrocution have been reported, affecting nearly 9.1 million people and causing significant damage to infrastructure and agriculture.
Net inflow of foreign portfolio investments (hot money) into the Philippines plunged 91% year-on-year to $66 million in July, primarily due to outflows from government securities, though stock market inflows persisted.
The Philippine peso continues to be Asia's 'weakest link' as the central bank navigates a delicate balance between controlling inflation and supporting a sluggish economy. Despite a recent interest rate hike, the peso has hit record lows against the dollar, influenced by US dollar strength, high oil prices, and global economic uncertainty.
A leading group of Philippine retailers is renewing its push for the government to scrap the de minimis rule, which allows imported goods valued below P10,000 to enter the country free of duties and taxes. The Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) argues the rule favors foreign online merchants over domestic ones, leading to lost business and tax revenues, especially ahead of the peak holiday sales season.
The Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD) has raised concerns over the Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) declining spending efficiency, advising serious reconsideration of budget increases for 2027. Unused appropriations are nearly three times the proposed funding hike.
Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) reported an 8% revenue increase to P19.6 billion in the first half of 2026, driven by its expanding road network in Indonesia and overseas investments, offsetting a slight dip in domestic traffic. The tollway operator is accelerating domestic network expansion as it moves towards a major merger with San Miguel Corp. (SMC).
The Philippine government improved its spending utilization rate to 94.6% by the end of July, aiming to boost expenditures to support economic growth. However, the Department of Public Works and Highways reported a lower utilization rate of 86.2%, highlighting ongoing sluggishness in infrastructure investment.
The Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. (PSE) is considering easing listing sponsor requirements to encourage more small, medium, and emerging (SME) companies to tap the stock market, potentially opening up more funding opportunities.
COL Financial, a leading online stock brokerage in the Philippines, expressed optimism for corporate earnings in the latter half of the year. Second-quarter results proved more resilient than expected, with consumer demand remaining steady despite inflation and rising raw material costs.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines reported monitoring 56 Chinese naval and coast guard vessels in various features of the West Philippine Sea in August, an increase from 48 in July, indicating heightened tensions in the disputed waters.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is monitoring three tropical depressions and one low-pressure area (LPA) as the southwest monsoon continues to bring rains over Luzon and the Visayas, raising concerns of flooding and landslides in some areas.
North Luzon Expressways (NLEX) are experiencing traffic disruptions due to flooding in some sections, caused by rising water levels in the Pampanga River. Alternative routes have been advised.
Severe traffic congestion plagues the NLEX-San Simon interchange in Pampanga due to flooding from the overflowing Pampanga River. Diversions are in place, causing significant delays for northbound travelers.
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano defended the Taguig Lakeshore project against Senator Panfilo Lacson's claim of P3.713 billion in wasted public funds. Cayetano challenged Lacson to present evidence, asserting the project benefits residents and the community.
Fuel prices in the Philippines saw a rollback starting September 1, following two consecutive weeks of increases. This offers temporary relief to motorists grappling with global crude price volatility and geopolitical risks, though prices remain above pre-Middle East crisis levels.
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to swiftly restore connectivity in Central Luzon provinces severely damaged by heavy rains and flooding. The directive specifically targets disruptions to roads and bridges in Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales.
Quezon City, Philippines, suspended all in-person classes on September 1 due to hazardous air pollution levels, measured as 'very unhealthy' to 'acutely unhealthy'. Smoke from Indonesia is suspected as the cause, with residents advised to limit outdoor activities and wear masks.
During the impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, the Senate impeachment court revealed that social media photos allegedly showing a witness wearing an earpiece were AI-generated. The trial is proceeding with new military witnesses to investigate alleged misuse of confidential funds.
Colonel Raymund Lachica, former security officer of Vice President Sara Duterte, is a key figure in her impeachment trial for alleged misuse of confidential funds. Both prosecution and defense are hesitant to call him as a witness, making his testimony a potential wildcard.
Military officials are set to testify in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte concerning allegations of misuse of confidential funds. Military-issued certifications intended to support the use of defense funds are gaining attention as grounds for impeachment.
The Philippine government plans to implement flood mitigation projects at 39 sites across the National Capital Region (NCR) by 2026. These initiatives aim to address the challenges posed by the aging drainage system and rapid urbanization, including the development of detention ponds and river floodplains.
The Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division has deployed two additional units to bolster security for the upcoming Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary election, with police also reporting readiness.
Leading Philippine developer DMCI Homes is entering the socialized housing market, leveraging its expertise in resort-style developments. The company aims to differentiate itself by offering ample open spaces despite affordable unit prices.
The Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) is strongly urging Congress to expedite the passage of the National Land Use Act, a measure pending for 25 years, to bolster food security and combat food inflation. The proposed law aims to establish a unified framework for sustainable land use, considering agriculture, housing, infrastructure, and environmental protection.
The Philippine government has launched a P10 billion financing program to boost geothermal energy development, with 17 power firms expressing interest. Risk mitigation measures are expected to drive investment, strengthening the nation's energy security and reducing reliance on volatile imported fuel prices.