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
Unemployment rises
Business World Online is reporting that Philippine unemployment rose to 6 percent in July, its highest level in four years.
The number of unemployed Filipinos reached 3.14 million, up 550,000 year-on-year. View source→
Banana for car tariff cut exchange
The Manila Bulletin is reporting that the government is considering lowering tariffs on Japanese car imports in exchange for Japan eliminating tariffs on Philippine bananas.
Philippine bananas currently face Japanese tariffs of 8 percent from October to March and 18 percent between April and September. View source→
Proposed international arrivals fee
Philstar is reporting that the Philippine Bureau of Immigration is proposing a PHP 240 (US$3.80) fee each time an international traveller enters or leaves the country.
The fee would fund a PHP 10.74 billion border-management system using biometrics, passenger information processing, identity screening, and risk assessment. View source→
New low for peso
The Inquirer is reporting that the Philippine peso fell to a record closing low of PHP 62.625 per US dollar on September 8, surpassing its previous low set four days earlier.
The decline came as investors increasingly bet the US Federal Reserve could raise interest rates, despite the broader dollar remaining relatively subdued, the article says. View source→
AI infrastructure plan
PNA is reporting that the Philippine government has finalised a US$34.4 billion plan to expand artificial intelligence infrastructure and position the country as a regional AI hub by 2033.
About US$21 billion of the required investment is expected from private investors and US$13.5 billion from public sources. View source→
Stock market performance YTD
Business World Online is reporting that the Philippine stock market was the second-worst performer among Southeast and East Asian markets tracked by Philstocks Financial during the first eight months of 2026.
The Philippine Stock Exchange index fell 1.6 percent year-to-date, with Philstocks citing high oil dependence, limited exposure to the artificial intelligence rally, and domestic concerns. View source→
Stock market Tuesday
PNA is reporting that the Philippine Stock Exchange index rose 0.37 percent to 6,105.99 on September 8.
Most sectors declined, with only mining and oil and services finishing higher, while trading volume remained thin. View source→
Bank lending
PNA is reporting that Philippine bank lending growth accelerated to 10.4 percent year-on-year in July from 9.8 percent in June, according to the central bank.
Business lending growth accelerated to 9.8 percent, while consumer loan growth slowed to 17.1 percent amid weaker consumer confidence, the article says. View source→
Vista Land debt troubles
Bloomberg is reporting that real estate developer Vista Land is considering asset sales to meet its debt obligations, including a US$420 million bond maturing in July 2027.
The developer said it could raise up to PHP 15 billion (US$240 million) by selling non-core assets, including two malls. View source→