ECCP at Work

Investors choose timelines, not taglines: Deliver regulatory clarity to win FMCG capital

The Philippines is at a pivotal moment. After a recent dip in GDP growth, the priority is to sustain momentum, create quality jobs, and raise productivity. Policymakers at the highest level have been clear: the private sector must be at the heart of that effort, especially in manufacturing, where the food and beverage sector can deliver tangible gains in livelihoods and inclusive growth.

Investors optimistic despite 2025 setbacks

Investment promotion agencies are looking ahead to 2026 with optimism, citing a strong pipeline of investment pledges for evaluation, even as they report a mixed outlook on investment approvals for this year, amid global and domestic headwinds that are affecting investor sentiment.

New vehicle sales down  by 8.7% in November

New vehicle sales in the Philippines continued to slump in November, amid a double-digit drop in sales of passenger cars, an industry report showed.

‘GDP likely grew by 4.6% in Q4’

The Philippine economy is expected to expand at a faster pace in the fourth quarter compared to the previous quarter, but growth will likely remain below five percent, according to the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P).

Budget bicam work done, ratification set Dec. 29

With bicameral conference committee (bicam) proceedings now completed, Congress is set to ratify the proposed P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026 on December 29, averting a reenacted General Appropriations Act while expressing confidence that no budget item will be vetoed.

DA welcomes Congress approval of bigger funding for FMRs

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Thursday welcomed the approval by Congress of a sharply higher allocation for farm-to-market roads, calling it a “game-changing investment” for farmers, food supply chains and rural economies as lawmakers finalize the 2026 national budget.

Bicameral panel finalizes 2026 Philippine budget

Philippine lawmakers reconciled disagreeing provisions of the proposed P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026, concluding Congress’ review of a process marked by one of the most contentious debates in recent years amid a corruption scandal over flood-control projects.

AMRO says impact of BSP rate adjustments are delayed, limited

The transmission of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) monetary policy adjustments into the financial system remains delayed and limited, a report from the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) showed.

ARTA launches platform consolidating complaints against gov’t agencies

The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) said it launched the Anti-Red Tape (ART) Dashboard, which it hopes will deter corruption and inefficiency in delivering government services.

Philippine sustainable finance hits $10B 

Sustainable finance in the Philippines is gaining momentum as the country advances along its energy transition and sees robust growth in renewable energy investments, according to a report by global bank ING.

DA may tie up with LGUs to speed up FMR works

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is mulling over forging ties with local governments to expedite the implementation of farm-to-market road (FMR) projects.

PEZA eyes P300-B investments in 2026

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is hoping to breach the P300-billion level in investment approvals in 2026 amid a strong pipeline.

Corruption to weigh on Philippine growth until 2027

Philippine economic growth may continue to undershoot the government’s targets until 2027 amid the ongoing flood control corruption scandal, Capital Economics said.

Philippines still under heightened threat of money laundering

The Philippines remains under heightened threat of money laundering due to the prevalence of crimes such as drug trafficking, financial fraud and tax evasion, a study by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) showed.

ERC on track to complete NGCP rate reset

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is confident that the final decision on the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines’ (NGCP) rate reset will be issued next year.

Government to limit imports and raise rice tariffs to 20%

Despite missing its production target for this year, the government will limit the entry of rice imports by raising tariffs to 20 percent and reducing shipments via a mechanism similar to the quantitative restriction starting in 2026.

Marcos launches PH layover tours, medical tourism lounge, other amenities at NAIA 3

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos on Tuesday inaugurated the new facilities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, heralding a step toward transforming the country’s primary gateway into a more comfortable, globally competitive airport.