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The Philippines requires approximately P5 trillion in investments to fully harness its estimated 25-gigawatt (GW) hydropower potential, according to the Department of Energy (DoE). This is aimed at expanding the renewable energy portfolio and addressing energy insecurity due to geopolitical risks and climate change.
The Philippines' Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has moved up the deadline for government agencies to request additional fund releases from November 16 to November 3. This aims to maximize budget utilization before year-end, with requests after the cutoff to be considered in the FY 2027 budget. Exceptions are made for mandatory or urgent needs.
New mining regulations in the Philippines are raising concerns that they could deter investment by increasing business costs and investment risks, at a time when the government is seeking to attract interest in mineral resource development. Industry groups are calling for consistency with existing laws and the promotion of fair competition.
The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced that prices for basic goods will remain stable until the end of the year, following agreements with manufacturers. However, items typically consumed during Christmas, known as "Noche Buena" goods, are excluded.
The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) has set an optimistic target of achieving a 20% market share for electric vehicles (EVs) by 2026, a goal bolstered by volatile oil prices dampening interest in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, a candidate for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, described himself as a "steward" rather than a "leader" during his interview with the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC). He emphasized the independence of the judiciary and the restoration of public trust, advocating for support for trial court judges and a review of judicial compensation.
The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines sees strong potential for UK investment, citing the country's skilled English-speaking workforce and large consumer market. However, it urges reforms to address challenges like corruption, bureaucracy, and infrastructure deficits, advocating for stronger legislation and digitalization.
The Philippine Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has moved up the deadline for agencies to submit additional budget requests by nearly two weeks, as most of the 2026 national budget has already been released. This move may impact the fiscal planning of government agencies.
The Philippines needs an estimated P5 trillion in new investments to expand its hydropower capacity by 25 gigawatts (GW). An energy official stated that developing 1 megawatt (MW) of hydropower costs about P200 million, highlighting challenges in scaling up renewable energy sources.
Lopez-led First Gen Corp. has inked a deal to supply renewable energy to Mother Teresa of Calcutta Medical Center (MTCMC) in Pampanga, marking the hospital as the first tertiary medical facility in the Philippines to fully transition to green power.
The Philippines' Department of Agriculture (DA) and Bureau of Customs (BOC) have signed a memorandum of agreement to streamline the inspection and disposal of confiscated agricultural and fishery products. This move aims to enhance food safety and tighten controls over imported farm goods.
The EU and the Philippines have launched the EU-Philippines AI Industry Lab, enabling companies to test AI before deployment. This initiative aims to reduce adoption costs and risks for SMEs and startups, fostering international investment.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) raised its policy rate by 0.50 percentage points to 5.5 percent, delivering a larger-than-expected increase to combat stubbornly high inflation, a move that raises concerns about its impact on daily life.
Philippine merchandise exports are projected to surpass the $100 billion mark for the first time in 2026, driven by robust global demand for semiconductors and electronics. The Department of Trade anticipates this strong momentum will continue through the end of the year.
Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) reported a 3.2% year-on-year decline in its net income for the first nine months of the year, reaching P48.9 billion. The decrease was attributed to higher provisions and operating expenses that outpaced revenue growth, despite increases in lending and fee income.
Philippine mining industry groups have voiced concerns over a proposed joint circular from the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regarding new contract awards. Industry players suggest this policy could undermine government efforts to make mining a key driver of economic growth.
The Philippine peso hit a new record low, closing at 63.52 per dollar despite a larger-than-expected interest rate hike by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Sustained US dollar strength continues to weigh on the local currency, signaling potential inflationary pressures and increased import costs for the Philippines.
Investments in Philippine economic zones are on track to surpass the 2026 target ahead of schedule, with year-to-date approvals reaching P309.63 billion as of October. This figure represents a significant 76.56% increase compared to the same period last year.
The state-run Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) failed to secure any bids for a portion of its Diliman property in Quezon City, missing out on potential revenue of at least P11.09 billion. The failed bidding raises concerns about PSALM's asset management and financial liquidity.
Global payments firm Visa is exploring stablecoin use cases with Philippine banks and fintechs to reduce the cost and friction of cross-border payments. However, awareness and trust among Filipino consumers remain limited, according to Visa's 'Money Travels 2026' study.
As customer expectations in the Philippines shift rapidly, the Inquirer-Statista Best Customer Service Awards recognized companies that deliver superior customer service, highlighting its growing importance as a business differentiator.
Colonel Leah Lorenzo-Santiago is set to become the first female commandant of cadets at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), marking a significant milestone in the institution's history and symbolizing the expanding role of women in the military.
Former Bangsamoro parliament member Edrieza Rimbang denied involvement in the P3.5 billion illegal drug smuggling attempt from Laos to the Philippines. The Department of the Interior and Local Government has issued subpoenas to 11 persons of interest.
Philippine motorists can expect mixed fuel price adjustments next week, with diesel projected to increase while gasoline is set to decrease. This is driven by supply concerns from Middle East tensions and the Ukraine conflict impacting diesel, contrasted by improved gasoline availability in Asia.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecution has requested the admission of recorded testimonies from three additional witnesses in the case against former President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity, aiming to expedite proceedings.
The provincial government of Batangas is intensifying preparations to mitigate the potential impacts of a looming 'super' El Niño on its agriculture, livestock, and public health sectors. The Provincial El Niño Technical Working Group is coordinating efforts across various departments.
Typhoon Rosal spared the Philippines from landfall but continued to bring moderate to heavy rain to Batanes and parts of Northern Luzon. It is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility over the weekend.
The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines will implement data-driven criteria to identify and prioritize areas with the most severe classroom shortages, aiming for more effective infrastructure development.
The Philippine Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is actively pursuing full monetary restitution and criminal accountability against rogue contractors involved in a multibillion-peso flood control scandal. Many of the individuals involved are already detained.
The Philippine government has seized P11.6 billion worth of smuggled agricultural goods from February 2025 to July this year, amid growing concerns of drought due to El Niño. The seizures were made in 67 operations as part of a campaign against economic sabotage, leading to charges against 218 individuals.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has denounced the Chinese embassy's "escalatory and undiplomatic" social media posts, stating they undermine efforts to stabilize bilateral relations. Meanwhile, the China Coast Guard's claims regarding the West Philippine Sea were refuted by the Philippine military.
The defense team of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte is considering a Supreme Court challenge regarding the voting threshold for conviction in her impeachment trial. The team argues that changing the standard mid-trial could compromise the VP's due process rights.
The Philippines' Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced that prices for select basic necessities and prime commodities will be held steady until year-end, following agreements with major manufacturers. Despite rising fuel and raw material costs, manufacturers have committed to supply stability.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) in the Philippines has extended the suspension of electricity disconnections for households consuming 200 kWh or less per month until Christmas. However, payment deadlines are in place for previously accumulated unpaid bills.
Investments approved by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) from January to October reached P310 billion, surpassing the agency's full-year target and on track to set a new record. This marks a 77% increase from the same period last year.
A Filipino worker died and another was injured in a drone attack on a Saudi Arabian oil facility. The incident is part of a series of assaults linked to the Yemen conflict, highlighting urgent concerns for the safety of Filipino Overseas Workers (OFWs) in the Kingdom.