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
No sugar exports this year?
Philstar is reporting that the Philippines may skip sugar exports to the United States this year with domestic production expected to decline.
Sugar Regulatory Administration CEO Pablo Luis Azcona said floods, pest infestations and the looming El Nino dry spell could constrain the upcoming harvest and that the regulator will decide whether to export after milling begins, with domestic and industrial sugar demand taking priority. View source→
Inflation likely above 6 percent August
Philstar is reporting that Philippine inflation likely eased slightly to 6.1 percent in August from 6.2 percent in July, according to a poll of 10 economists.
Economists attributed continued price pressures to expensive food and fuel, weather-related supply disruptions and the peso’s depreciation. View source→
Japan EV charging agreement
The Manila Standard is reporting that Cebu-based Top Line Business Development has partnered with Japan’s Jigowatts to install electric vehicle charging stations across its network in the Visayas.
The partnership follows Top Line’s earlier agreement with V-Green Charging Stations Philippines to install charging and battery-swapping stations for VinFast electric scooters in Cebu. View source→
Holiday travel demand expectations
The Inquirer is reporting that Filipino holiday travel demand is expected to remain resilient despite higher airfares and inflation, according to Klook Philippines General Manager Michelle Ho.
Ho said travellers are responding to cost pressures by choosing cheaper destinations closer to home rather than abandoning travel plans, noting that Vietnam has emerged as a fast-growing destination for Filipino travellers, with Klook bookings rising 193 percent year-on-year in 2025. View source→
OCBC bank cuts growth forecast
The Inquirer is reporting that OCBC Bank has cut its 2026 growth forecast to 3.2 percent from 3.8 percent, below the government’s 3.5-4.5 percent target.
OCBC said domestic demand remains the main drag as high inflation and limited government spending weigh on household consumption. View source→
Luxury tax increase proposed
The Inquirer is reporting that the Philippine Department of Finance is proposing higher taxes on luxury goods and motor vehicles to offset income tax cuts for workers and microenterprises.
The tax on nonessential goods would rise to 25 percent from 20 percent and expand to private aircraft, jet skis, speedboats and other recreational vehicles under the proposal. View source→
Peso reaches new low
Business World Online is reporting that the Philippine peso fell to a new record low of PHP 62.565 per US dollar on September 2, its fourth consecutive session of declines.
It cites UnionBank Chief Economist Ruben Carlo Asuncion as attributing the weakness to higher US yields, tighter US monetary policy expectations, elevated oil prices and geopolitical uncertainty. View source→
Stock market performance Wednesday
Business World Online is reporting that the stock market fell on September 2 as the peso hit another record low and renewed US-Iran hostilities pushed global oil prices higher.
The Philippine Stock Exchange index dropped 0.67 percent to 6,053.23, with most sector indices declining. View source→
Gov’t bond yields rise
Business World Online is reporting that government bond yields rose on September 2 as renewed Middle East hostilities and higher global borrowing costs deepened risk-off sentiment.
The Treasury raised PHP 29.56 billion (US$473 million) from reissued bonds, slightly below its PHP 30 billion target, at an average yield of 7.218 percent. View source→
Swine fever vaccine approved
Business World Online is reporting that the commercial sale of AVAC ASF LIVE, an African swine fever vaccine developed by Vietnam’s AVAC Vietnam, has been approved.
Agriculture Undersecretary Constante Palabrica is seeking PHP 1 billion (US$16 million) next year to subsidise vaccination, including for backyard pig farms, the article notes. View source→
Hotel industry projected growth
Business World Online is reporting that the hotel industry expects to add about 40,000 rooms across more than 150 projects over the next five years.
Philippine Hotel Owners Association Executive Director Benito Bengzon Jr. said the expansion should increase accommodation options and improve the country’s tourism competitiveness. View source→
Business name registrations fall
Business World Online is reporting that Philippine business name registrations fell 13.3 percent year-on-year in August to 64,331, according to the Department of Trade and Industry.
Registrations also declined 20.7 percent from July, with 57,783 new businesses registered and 6,548 existing registrations renewed. View source→