ECCP at Work

Marcos signs into law new mining tax system

President Marcos yesterday signed into law a measure that seeks to simplify the country’s mining fiscal regime and ensure a fairer government share from natural resources, a move seen to promote a fairer and more transparent mining tax system while protecting the environment.

PH export sustains rise in July 2025

The electronic sector continues to drive growth of the Philippines' export, which posted an annual growth of 17.3 percent to USD7.34 billion in July 2025, from year-ago’s USD6.25 billion.

Govt to pay off P814B maturing bonds; to trim current P17.56T debt

The national government said it expects its outstanding debt — at P17.56 trillion as of end-July — to decline by December, with the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) set to pay off P814.2 billion of maturing domestic bonds and as fundraising activities wind down.

DoH says it needs P450 billion yearly for free healthcare

The Philippines needs P450 billion every year to provide free healthcare services in government hospitals, according to the Health secretary.

BMI report cites advantages of 'Konektadong Pinoy' law

A study by BMI, a Fitch Solutions unit, dubbed the “Konektadong Pinoy (Connected Filipinos)” law “the most radical overhaul of the country’s technology and telecoms legal framework.”

Funds for key DOTr infra projects slashed

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is seeking a P197.33-billion budget under the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP), higher than this year’s allocation but barely a third of the P531.74-billion the agency had proposed for its transport agenda. 

UP mining dep’t tapped for copper value-chain studies

The Board of Investments (BoI) said it tied up with the University of the Philippines (UP) to study gaps in the copper value chain and support the development of downstream industries.

DBP commits P510M to education projects

The government-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has allocated P510 million for corporate social responsibility projects in education.

BTr: PH's total debt expected to decline by year-end

The country's total outstanding debt is expected to go down towards the end of the year as the National Treasury pays off major loans and borrows less.

Entire Metro Manila subway under construction by Q4 -DOTr

The entire length of the Metro Manila Subway project (MMSP) will be under construction by November, acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said yesterday.

DoE, UN agency studying impact of energy transition on coal industry

The Department of Energy (DoE) said it is studying the impact of shutting down coal mines and coal-fired power plants as the Philippines transitions to cleaner fuels for power generation.

Lower 10% VAT eyed

A billionaire lawmaker has filed a bill in the House of Representatives seeking to reduce the 12 percent value-added tax (VAT) to 10 percent – a move intended to ease inflation and ultimately lower the prices of basic commodities for Filipino consumers.

Subway ROW acquisition target set at 95% by end of 2025 

The Department of Transportation (DoTr) said the right-of-way (ROW) acquisition target for the Metro Manila Subway project has been set at about 95% by the end of the year.

PHL attracting more investments from ASEAN neighbors — BoI

Investment pledges from Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries have reached P251.98 billion since 2020, reflecting the region’s increasing confidence in the Philippines, the Board of Investments (BoI) said.

PH's RE bid remains attractive to private sector: DOE exec

The push to increase renewable energy (RE) sources in the country remains supported by the private sector, as proven by the continued increase in committed projects, an official of the Department of Energy (DOE) said Wednesday.

DOF wants multinational firms to pay additional taxes

The Department of Finance (DOF) is pushing for a domestic top-up tax on large multinational enterprises (MNEs) to capture foregone revenues that will otherwise be collected by other countries.

House Infra-Comm probe to spare no one in flood control mess 

The House Infrastructure Committee (Infra-Comm) on Tuesday opened its investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects across the country, vowing to spare no one in holding accountable those behind ghost, substandard, and overpriced projects.

Rising defense spending to impact fiscal positions

Defense spending across Asia, including the Philippines, are projected to increase in the coming years but Capital Economics Experts expects this to place additional pressure on the fiscal positions of these countries. 

Growth goals to stay despite flood impact 

The country’s growth targets this year remain safe from revision despite the floods which stalled economic activities, according to the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DepDev).

Corruption-tainted construction industry placed under DTI supervision                                                                                                                                                 

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque has assumed direct supervision of the Construction Industry Association of the Philippines (CIAP) “to restore integrity and transparency” amid allegations of irregularities in contractor accreditation.

BCDA building airport terminal at Poro Point

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is investing P250 million to construct an airport at Poro Point Freeport Zone as part of a broader plan to modernize the former US military air base in San Fernando, La Union.

PH Manufacturing extends expansion at 50.8 in Aug 

The Philippine manufacturing sector grew for a fifth straight month in August, with the S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) staying above the neutral 50 threshold at the expansionary level of 50.8.

BOI-approved investments down 66% in seven months

Investments approved by the Board of Investments (BOI) declined by 66 percent in the January to July period from a year ago, reflecting cautious investor sentiment following the United States’ imposition of reciprocal tariffs. 

‘Philippines among Southeast Asia’s rising semiconductor hubs’ 

The Philippines is emerging as one of Southeast Asia’s growing hubs for semiconductor assembly and testing, with the industry now accounting for about 32 percent of the country’s total goods exports in 2024, according to Moody’s Ratings. 

DOT: Tourism to add P2.7T to PH economy in 2025

The tourism sector will generate P2.7 trillion for the Philippine economy in 2025, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Tuesday, September 2.

Govt considers seasonal rice import tariff to support farmers - Balisacan

The government is studying the possibility of imposing a seasonal  tariff on rice imports during harvest to help farmers, Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said on Tuesday.

Construction for Ortigas Subway Station begins 

The construction for the long-delayed Ortigas Station of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) finally began in Pasig City on Wednesday. The station is slated to be completed in three years and will be operational after an additional two years.

New training hub for young farmers to rise in Albay

Construction has begun on a new facility worth PHP3.5 million that aims to enhance the interest, production, and participation of young farmers in Albay.