This is a brief rundown of what is being reported today in the Philippines and about the Philippines in the international press.
It endeavours to highlight the narratives currently shaping the country’s economic, financial, and business news landscape.
Ed’s note: I’m always looking for new sources with unique insights. If you have anything to share, reach out: mark.barnes@the-shiv.com
PMI jump
The Philippines’ manufacturing growth accelerated in August, with the S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index rising to 54.9 from 51.8 in July, according to the firm.
The reading was the highest since December 2016, supported by stronger new orders and the first increase in export orders in six months. View source→
Rice imports increase
Philstar is reporting that Philippine rice imports reached 3.46 million tonnes by August 13, already exceeding the 3.39 million tonnes imported throughout 2025.
Vietnam remained the Philippines’ largest supplier, providing 2.59 million tonnes, followed by Thailand and Myanmar. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Jump in imports is interesting in that last year imports of certain rice varieties were temporarily banned to support local prices.
Data concerns minimum wage impacts
Business World Online is reporting that a University of the Philippines study has found that existing labour data is insufficient to reliably determine how minimum wage increases impact employment. View source→
Peso volatility management analysis
Business World Online is reporting that China Banking Corp. Chief Economist Domini Velasquez has said the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has room to limit excessive peso volatility, with the local currency expected to remain stable.
She did, however, say she expects a correction before the end of the year as remittances increase. View source→
Foreign portfolio investment data
Philstar is reporting that foreign portfolio investment recorded a net inflow of US$66.47 million in July, down 91 percent year-on-year, according to central bank data.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas data showed gross inflows fell 4.1 percent to US$2.37 billion, while gross outflows jumped 33.2 percent to US$2.3 billion. View source→
Geothermal exploration gov’t funding
Philstar is reporting that at least 17 power companies are seeking funding under the Philippines’ PHP 10 billion (US$160 million) geothermal exploration support programme.
The facility can cover up to 50 percent of geothermal drilling costs through convertible loans, with unsuccessful exploration funding converted into grants. View source→
LPG price increase expectations
Philstar is reporting that liquefied petroleum gas prices are expected to rise by PHP 2-3 (US$0.03-0.05) per kilogram in September.
The increase would add PHP 22-33 (US$0.35-0.53) to the price of a standard 11-kilogram cylinder. View source→
Deutsche Bank interest rate expectations
Manila Bulletin is reporting that Deutsche Bank expects the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to delay its next interest rate increase until February 2027.
Deutsche Bank expects policymakers to wait for evidence of changing inflation expectations or second-round effects before tightening further, the article says. View source→
Cross-border digital tax collection
Manila Bulletin is reporting that tax collected from foreign digital service providers reached PHP 17.5 billion (US$281 million) in the first half of 2026, after introducing a 12 percent value-added tax on foreign digital services in June 2025. View source→