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
FDI down 18 percent
The Inquirer is reporting that foreign direct investment in the Philippines fell 18 percent year-on-year to US$3.4 billion in the first half of 2026, with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas expecting net FDI inflows of US$7 billion for the full year. View source→
Fuel price increases
The Inquirer is reporting that fuel prices could rise by up to PHP5 (US$0.08) per litre from September 15 amid escalating conflict involving the United States and Iran.
Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas expects gasoline prices to rise PHP4.50–PHP5 (US$0.07–US$0.08) per litre and diesel PHP2–PHP2.50 (US$0.03–US$0.04), the article says. View source→
EU joins LEC project
The Inquirer is reporting that Spain and the European Union have joined the Luzon Economic Corridor initiative.
The European Union will align €80 million (US$94 million) in green and digital economy programmes with projects along the corridor, and Spain will provide public and private-sector expertise for potential projects spanning railways, aviation, shipbuilding, modular infrastructure and renewable-energy connectivity, the article says. View source→
BOA growth forecast
Business World Online is reporting that Bank of America expects Philippine GDP growth of 2.5 percent in 2026, potentially making it Southeast Asia’s joint-slowest-growing major economy alongside Thailand.
The forecast trails Vietnam at 8.2 percent, Indonesia at 5.3 percent, Malaysia at 5.2 percent and Singapore at 5.1 percent. View source→
Student proficiency
Business World Online is reporting that most Filipino students remain below minimum proficiency levels in mathematics, reading and science despite improved scores in the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment.
Only 21 percent reached minimum proficiency in mathematics, 31 percent in reading and 32 percent in science, all well below OECD averages, the article says. View source→
ADB financing UPLIFT program
Business World Online is reporting that the Asian Development Bank is considering additional financing for the Philippines to cover budget gaps created by the government’s UPLIFT subsidy and assistance program.
The proposed facility would support spending on farmers, fisherfolk, and households affected by higher fuel and other prices following the Middle East conflict. View source→
Free wifi expansion
Manila Standard is reporting that the government plans to expand free public internet access points by 69 percent to 38,829 in 2027, from a 22,916 target this year.
The Free Public Internet Access Program would retain PHP5 billion (US$85 million) in funding while connecting substantially more sites, particularly in remote and disadvantaged areas. View source→
LPG tax freeze proposed
The Manila Bulletin is reporting that Finance Secretary Frederick Go has proposed suspending excise taxes on liquefied petroleum gas and kerosene following a renewed surge in global oil prices.
The government previously suspended the taxes for three months, foregoing PHP2.5 billion (US$42 million) in revenue, before reinstating them as oil prices fell. View source→
Procurement delays PDIP
The Manila Bulletin is reporting that procurement delays have slowed the Philippines Digital Infrastructure Project, with just US$1.39 million of its US$311.49 million World Bank financing disbursed.
The World Bank maintained a “moderately satisfactory” rating for implementation and progress towards the project’s objectives, while maintaining its overall risk rating at “substantial.” View source→