Local rice supply might run short during import ban -USDA

The Philippines’ rice output, which soared to a record high in the first half, may not be enough to meet the anticipated demand during the 60-day import ban set to begin next week, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Related:

• Zero tariff rate on US goods alarming for PH agricultural sector
  Marcos had clarified though that the zero tariffs would only be applied on certain products, particularly automobiles; but he also admitted that the Philippines will increase its importation of some US goods, like soy and wheat products, and medicine.
• Tropical storms inflict over ₱450 million in agri losses -DA
  Cuz you guys keep stealing infra funds for sewage/flood control. Also Mindanao has the least number of tropical storms and I think its a better place for farming if ever the security situation improves.

  
• Legarda files bill to address aging agri workforce via youth-led reform
• Survey reveals rising prices, food security, and loneliness as top concerns of Filipino millennials
• (For 3rd-year running) Philippines to emerge as top global rice importer
• Average post-harvest losses in rice more than P7 billion per year, says DA
• Farm lands shrank in past decades

 Invasive species cost trillions in damages: study

From river-clogging plants to disease-carrying insects, the direct economic cost of invasive species worldwide has averaged about $35 billion a year for decades, researchers said Monday.

 Pork prices to go up in ‘ber’ months

Consumers should expect high pork prices at the onset of “ber” months when demand seasonally increases, coupled with lower production following the rainy months.

 Raw sugar output seen flat next year

The country’s raw sugar output in the upcoming market year (MY) 2026 may remain flat at 1.85 million metric tons (MT) as planted areas are expected to stagnate amid land conversions, according to an international report.

 DA issues temporary ban on import of cattle, buffalo from France and Italy

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Sunday announced a temporary ban on the importation of live cattle and buffalo from France and Italy, following confirmed outbreaks of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), a highly contagious disease which causes fever and distinctive skin nodules in infected animals.

Related:

• Albay bans entry of live birds, including poultry, from CamSur

 'Let us fish without fear': Pinoy fishers alarmed by surge of Chinese ships in WPS

Filipino fishers on Tuesday, July 8, raised alarm over the growing number of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), saying their presence disrupts local livelihoods and puts both people and the environment at risk.

Related:

• Chinese research vessel in PH waters en route to Indian Ocean 'to fish' – PCG
• One of China's largest fisheries research ships sails in PH waters —expert
• Philippines fishing boat rammed by unknown vessel in West Philippine Sea
• Fishers near Scarborough Shoal losing 60% of income after China’s fishing ban
• PCG informs Chinese embassy of Subic allision
• Brother says he saw missing fisherman dragged by vessel that hit their boat
• Philippines protests four-month South China Sea fishing ban
• Rozul Reef corals damaged, but marine biodiversity still in 'good condition' -BFAR
• PH mulls cases vs China, Vietnam over alleged cyanide fishing
• (Nothing's left) AFP suspects China behind massive coral harvesting in Rozul Reef
• Return West Philippine Sea shell catch -China
• Philippines does not recognize China fishing ban in West Philippine Sea
• Foreign vessels curtailed Philippine fish catch in 2022

 ‘Agricultural smugglers use dummies in BOC’

Accreditation unit personnel in the Bureau of Customs (BOC) received around P100,000 in under-the-table payments in exchange for approving bogus broker applications, according to Sen. Raffy Tulfo.

Related:

• Frederick Go goes after economic saboteurs in P38M rice bust
• Smuggled red onions from China positive for E.coli, salmonella
• Probe sought on P202 million smuggled mackerel

 Young Filipinos leave fishing industry - PSA

Younger members of Filipino fishing households left the industry between 2012 and 2022 to seek better jobs, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

 File charges vs contractors on delayed projects -COA to NIA

The Commission on Audit (COA) has recommended the filing of charges by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) against contractors for delays in the implementation of irrigation contracts and projects worth P2.04 billion.

 Marcos expects reduction in subsidy for P20/kilo of rice

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. is expecting a reduction as to the subsidies for the government's P20 per kilo of rice initiative.

 USDA ups global rice output forecast by 300,000 MT as Philippines expected to harvest more

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has revised upward its forecast for global rice production by 300,000 metric tons (MT) amid higher rice output in the Philippines.

 BOC, DOJ meet to boost efforts vs agri-smuggling

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) met on Wednesday to tackle efforts boosting the country’s fight against agri-smuggling and “institutionalize” their partnership.

 World Bank cites progress in Philippine agrarian land titling project

The World Bank has noted improved implementation of an extended loan that supports breaking down collective certificates of land ownership awards (CLOAs), or titles given to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the Philippines.

 Filipino families experiencing involuntary hunger drops to 16.1% – SWS

There are fewer Filipino families that experienced involuntary hunger or were hungry and had nothing to eat at least once in the past three months, according to the Second Quarter 2025 Social Weather Survey (SWS).

 Pinoy fisherfolk trained in sustainable practices, maritime rights

Over 180 Filipino fisherfolk were trained in a United States-supported program to expand their knowledge on sustainable fishing practices and strengthen their ability to assert their maritime rights in the South China Sea.

 Handcuffs coming for agri smugglers: Tiu Laurel vows arrests by December

The Philippines is ramping up its crackdown on agricultural smuggling, with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. vowing on Tuesday to see arrests made before the end of the year as part of efforts to protect local producers and tighten enforcement.

 Nueva Vizcaya declared ‘Ginger Capital of the Philippines’

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has officially declared Nueva Vizcaya the “Ginger Capital of the Philippines,” given the province’s continued lead in ginger production, supplying major trading hubs across the country.

 Red onion stocks seen to last until 2026

The Philippine agricultural sector posted an expansion in production in the first three months of the year, following three straight quarters of contractions due to weather disturbances that hit the country in 2024, data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed Wednesday.

 PH agriculture output up 1.9% in Q1 2025

The Philippine agricultural sector posted an expansion in production in the first three months of the year, following three straight quarters of contractions due to weather disturbances that hit the country in 2024, data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed Wednesday.

 Number of ASF-affected barangays in PH drops

The number of barangays with active cases of African swine fever (ASF) dropped further by the end of February, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry reported Tuesday.

 PH to strengthen maritime security with 8 new marine research hubs—DENR

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said it is set to establish eight marine scientific research stations across the country, including one on Pag-asa Island, as part of efforts to strengthen maritime security and environmental conservation in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

 NEDA Board OKs enhanced e-voucher food stamp program

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., has approved a three-year program to improve food insecurity and malnutrition measures.

 60% of irrigation structures damaged by Kristine in Bicol restored -NIA

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has successfully repaired 60 percent of the irrigation structures in Bicol that were severely damaged by Typhoon “Kristine” (international name: Trami), the agency reported Tuesday.

 Romualdez upbeat over benefits of Pinoy-made biofertilizer

House Speaker Martin Romualdez is confident that the Laguna-based Agri Specialist Inc.’s Bio N fertilizer plant--which will mass-produce locally developed biofertilizer--will be a game-changer in local food production.

 DA seized P2.8B worth of smuggled agri products in 2024

The Department of Agriculture (DA) seized roughly P2.8 billion worth of smuggled agricultural goods in 2024, almost a billion more than the 2023 level, as the government intensified efforts to crack down on smuggling that deprives the state of revenues and exposes the public to potential health risks.

 New P270-M feed mill to boost food security -Marcos

President Marcos said that the government is allocating funds for agricultural infrastructure to strengthen the country's food security and agricultural productivity.

 Israeli envoy seeks expansion of agri training program in PH

Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss is pushing to expand Israel’s intensive agricultural training program to reach more provinces across the country.

Related:

• Philippines gets $24.9M World Bank, FAO grant
• Filipino farmers, fisherfolk see increased incomes

 (Marcos tells agri officials) Boost biosecurity measures

President Marcos wants to ramp up livestock consolidation and intensify biosecurity measures in addition to the ongoing vaccination against African swine fever (ASF) to fight the virus.

Related:

• Hog vaccination so far yielding positive results

 Makabayan wants House probe of Naia privatization

The Makabayan bloc has asked the House of Representatives of the 20th Congress to investigate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) privatization, claiming that the transfer of operations to a private consortium would be detrimental to the public.

 DOTr eyes economic sabotage complaint vs AirAsia MOVE for ‘overcharging’

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is preparing to file economic sabotage charges against online travel agent platform AirAsia MOVE for allegedly overcharging customers for plane tickets.

Related:

• DOTr to lead crackdown against overcharging cabbies at airports, ports
• TNVS drivers ‘dismayed’ over LTFRB plan to cut surge rate

 Common station contractor blames project delays on DOTr

The embattled contractor of the Unified Grand Central Station defended itself after the Department of Transportation (DOTr) formally terminated its contract for the project, with the company claiming the delays in construction were caused by the government’s failure to pay for work that had been completed.

“Our suppliers and workers needed to be paid. Without the contractually agreed payments from DOTr, continuing operations became impossible”

-(BF-FDSC) Consortium

It added that the “undue and habitual delay in payment” prompted it to “stop work” because continuing would “severely impair” its financial position, along with the quality of work.

 Three-day transport strike pushes Metro Manila universities, colleges to shift to online classes

The demonstration highlights alleged corruption and irregularities in government flood-control projects. The groups are also raising long-standing concerns over the government’s jeepney modernization program, which they claim threatens the livelihood of many drivers and operators.

Related:

• DOTr chief forms special panel to iron out PUV modernization problems
• Drivers' push for P15 jeepney fare under review
• Most cooperatives struggle to repay PUV modernization loans—DBP
• Jeepney drivers who have consolidated as part of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) claim they lost income due to the expensive cost and maintenance of the modernized jeepney
• P50 minimum jeepney fare 'seen in 5 years' under PUV modernization
• Jeepney modernization program.. The research note pointed out that costs (of modern jeepney) significantly rose from P1.4 million to ... an estimated P2.8 million while a traditional jeepney ranges from only P200,000 to P400,000, it said ...worrying drivers like Cruz who worry about the debt they will incur while complying with the policy.

 (No funding, no timeline) Bicol, Mindanao rails hang in the balance

There is still no certainty on whether the Marcos administration can break ground during its term for the P257-billion railways in Bicol and Mindanao without an identified source of funding.

 Philippines dips in GSMA Mobile Connectivity Index

The Philippines’ overall index score fell by 0.52 to 67.69 (out of 100) in the latest edition of the Mobile Connectivity Index by nonprofit organization GSM Association (GSMA). The index assesses and tracks the performance of countries against the equally weighted key enablers of mobile internet adoption; infrastructure, affordability, consumer readiness, and content and services. A higher score means a more enabling environment for delivering mobile internet.

 Davao City tops Philippines traffic rankings, dethrones Manila

Davao City has overtaken Manila as the Philippine city with the worst traffic, based on the 2024 TomTom Traffic Index. Ranking 8th globally out of 500 cities, Davao City was also the most congested city in the Philippines.

Related:

• Metro Manila has slowest travel time among 55 countries -study
• The worsening traffic congestion of Metro Manila is currently costing the economy an estimated P3.5 billion a day.

 Philippines' digital strengths not translating to logistics success; ranking declines amid infra challenges

The Philippines dipped to 23rd in this year’s ranking that assesses how the world’s most promising logistics markets respond to emerging developments in global logistics.

 Goodbye, Mt. Kamuning: Marcos orders removal of towering footbridge

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the dismantling of the iconic Kamuning Footbridge, long criticized for its excessive height.

 Brace for 'Carmageddon' in June as gov't starts EDSA 'rebuild'

The already heavy traffic is anticipated to become even worse as the government rolls out a complete overhaul of Metro Manila’s main thoroughfare around mid-June, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Related:

• Government seeks another Japan loan for MRT-3

 Big railway, ports projects: What to know about the Luzon Economic Corridor

The Philippines has received confirmation that the United States' support for the Biden-approved Luzon Economic Corridor remains intact despite US President Donald Trump's recent pullbacks in foreign assistance.

Related:

• PH, US sign technical aid deal for Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Railway
• Big railway, ports projects: What to know about the Luzon Economic Corridor
• Government seeks another Japan loan for MRT-3
• Neda approves Mindanao Transport Connectivity Improvement Project
• Japan-funded road project to spur Central Luzon growth
• DOTr breaks ground on Metro Manila-Laguna railway project
• Korea backs Dumaguete airport project with P13.15 billion funding
• Philippines secures P93 billion funding for new highway and subway (Japan)
• New MRT4 line from San Juan to Taytay to receive $1 billion funding from ADB
• PH-Japan sign P92.9-B loan for building Metro Mla Subway, Dalton Pass
• Japan commits to assisting Philippines in improving road transport system in NCR, surrounding regions
• Japan can keep Mindanao rail project on track–solon
• Mass transport to end traffic woes, ‘even the rich ride the train’ -Marcos
• Developing nearby provinces to improve NCR traffic -Marcos

Progress

• P23.5 billion Samal-Davao Connector poised for 2028 completion
• Philippines’ first long-distance mountain tunnel nears finish line
• North-South Commuter Railway Project (Tutuban – Malolos) – 61 percent complete
• North-South Commuter Railway Extension Project (Malolos – Clark) – 56.6 percent complete
• North-South Commuter Railway Extension Project (South Extension, Manila-Calamba) – 38 percent complete
• Metro Manila Subway Project – 41 percent complete
• LRT Line 1 Cavite Extension – 80 percent complete
• MRT Line 3 Rehabilitation and Maintenance – 85 percent complete

 Farm-to-market road turned over to Nueva Ecija villagers

A two-kilometer farm-to-market road has been turned over to the municipal government of Cuyapo in Nueva Ecija by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).

Related:

• Marcos opens P270-m grain terminal in Batangas to support local farmers
• DA urges infra overhaul to combat high food prices, reduce spoilage
• Farm-to-market roads will be built in Central Visayas -Marcos
• Toll rebate for agri truckers to benefit consumers -DA
• 51 pct of farm-to-market roads target complete -Marcos

 (Connecting the unconnected) SSS rolls out Starlink satellite internet in Basilan, Jolo, Tawi-Tawi

The Social Security System (SSS) has announced a collaboration with iOne Resources, Inc., the local distributor of Starlink, to bring high-speed internet connectivity to its service offices in remote areas.

Related:

• P16.1-B funding for digital infra projects OK'd

 World Bank OKs loan for PH digital infra project

The World Bank on Friday announced it has approved a multi-million dollar loan to finance a flagship infrastructure project of the Philippine government aimed at improving broadband connectivity across the country.

Average Minimum Wage: ₱441.00 ($7.60) per day + Income Tax (~30%) + mandatory Philhealth and SSS contributions shouldered by the business owner/worker + 12% VAT (Highest in Asia)

 Philippine export outlook dims as trade woes, 'lagging' competitiveness persist

Due to lingering global trade uncertainty, coupled with the Philippines' weaker competitiveness, the Marcos administration's economic team has cautioned that the country's goods exports could come under massive pressure this year..

 Flood control scandal to break 20-year gov't spending streak, punish peso—MUFG

Japanese financial giant MUFG said the Philippine peso could suffer from the controversial flood control scandals, which are seen to break the upward momentum of government spending in two decades.

 Weak peso, corruption fears drag PSEi below 6,000 mark

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) dropped for the sixth straight session, breaking below the 6,000 level, as investors worried about the weak peso, the impact of corruption on infrastructure spending, and general weak investor confidence in the economy.

 Philippine banks boost loan-loss buffers as bad loans hit 8-month high

Philippine banks are shoring up their loan-loss buffers as the industry’s bad loan ratio climbed to an eight-month high of 3.4 percent, due to the lingering impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and global uncertainties affecting borrowers’ ability to repay debts.

 Asia’s factory activity worsens as US trade uncertainty bites

Asia’s factory activity deteriorated in July as soft global demand and lingering uncertainty over U.S. tariffs weighed on business morale, private sector surveys showed on Friday, clouding the outlook for the region’s fragile recovery.

 Philippine business confidence dips in Q3 but outlook for yearend remains positive – BSP

Philippine businesses showed tempered optimism in the third quarter of 2025, while households reported a slightly improved but still cautious outlook, according to surveys released by the central bank.

 ‘Time for half-measures is over’: Filipino Chinese chamber seeks structural reform, prosecution of corrupt individuals

The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) has urged the government and all sectors of society to move past superficial gestures in addressing corruption, calling instead for structural reforms.

 Exporters lower target for 2025

The country’s umbrella group of exporters has lowered its export projection for this year, citing the impact of the 19-percent tariff imposed by the United States on shipments coming from the Philippines.

 Global Ferronickel shares plunge after chairman’s arrest over citizenship allegations

Shares of Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc. (FNI) tumbled as much as 19% on Tuesday after its chairman, Joseph Sy, was arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) over allegations of falsifying his Filipino citizenship.

 PH semiconductor industry asks gov't to boost trade with other chip markets

Stakeholders in the Philippine semiconductor industry are urging the Marcos administration to beef up trade with other chip export markets.The Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc. (SEIPI) issued this call as United States President Donald Trump threatens 100 percent tariffs on foreign-made chips to shore up production in the United States.

 ‘Rising number of unemployed grads troubling’

There is a “troubling increase” in the number of Filipino college graduates who are unemployed, according to the Commission on Higher Education.

 How the Philippines compares with its peers in digital evolution

The Philippines’ ranking worsened in the latest edition of the Digital Evolution Index (DEI) published by The Fletcher School at Tufts University in collaboration with Mastercard. The country fell by a notch to 77th out of 125 economies in the Digital Evolution State factor while it slipped three places to 53rd in the Momentum factor.

 Filipino domestic worker program in S. Korea stalls with change in gov’t

South Korea’s pilot program for overseas domestic workers is now hanging in the balance, with no clear path forward after months of delays, labor disputes, and a new administration that had voiced skepticism about the system in the past.

 Palace saddened by VP Sara mocking San Juanico bridge's tourist spot tag

Malacañang on Monday said it was saddened by the remarks of Vice President Sara Duterte questioning why the San Juanico bridge is being promoted as a tourist spot.

 'Cocolisap' infests half a million trees, causes P200 million in losses

The Philippine Coconut Authority said on Wednesday that coconut scale insect, widely-known as cocolisap, has infested more than 516,000 coconut trees across nine regions in the Philippines.

 Philippines fifth-most complex jurisdiction for doing business among its peers in the region

Business environment in the Philippines worsened as it jumped* eight places to 26th out of 79 jurisdictions in the latest edition of the Global Business Complexity Index by multinational services firm TMF Group.

Related:

• Philippines fourth lowest among its peers in global entrepreneurship list
• PH slides two spots in World Digital Competitiveness Ranking
• Swedish biz most bullish on Philippines, but same-old investment, trade barriers hamper potential
• World Bank urges PH to be more business-friendly
• Majority of Filipinos see red tape, restrictive rules as top barriers to foreign investments — survey
• Weak public services cripple Philippine businesses —World Bank

 Luxury condo market cools as inventory runs thin in BGC, Makati

Sales of luxury condominium units in Metro Manila fell by 48% in the second quarter of 2025 as tight supply weighed on transactions, according to data from real estate consultancy Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC).

Related:

• Real estate risks need closer scrutiny
• Metro Manila condo oversupply shoots up to 38 months
• It will take 8.2 years to clear condo oversupply
• Sid Consunji builds, but buyers don’t come: DMCI Homes drowning in nearly P100 billion in unsold inventory
• Colliers: Metro Manila land prices to drop 2-5% amid growing condo glut and office vacancies
• PH banks cut exposure to property sector in Q3
• IMF urges BSP to tighten banking policies, preempt risks
• Condominium rental prices lowest in 15 years -Expert
• PH office vacancies surge to all-time high amid Pogos’ departure
• (Rental rates to go down by 50%) Find out the condo market segment seen to suffer the most from POGO ban
• A real estate bubble is happening in the MOA Complex, Pasay
• Economy to hurt from exit of POGOs, says property firm exec

 DOT condemns killing of 2 Japanese nationals in Manila

The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Tuesday denounced the recent killing of two Japanese nationals in the City of Manila, saying that it has already triggered travel warnings from several embassies.

Related:

• Rodriguez urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to summon U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson to explain the May 8 advisory, which warns Americans to “exercise increased caution” when traveling to the Philippines due to crime, terrorism, and civil unrest.

  “I want to know: what has our ambassador in Washington done about this damaging advisory? We must defend our country’s reputation”

  -Rodriguez

• China warns Chinese citizens over ‘unstable public security’ in PH
• (Armed robbery in BGC) South Korea warns nationals
• P1 million reward up for Dumlao’s arrest
• Investors flee, tourism fall, families live in fear: Business groups demand swift justice, no excuses after brutal murders of steel tycoon and driver
• PNP names 2 casino junket operators who allegedly received Anson Que ransom
• AMLC widens probe into P200M Anson Que ransom: Crypto, junkets links under scrutiny
• Lawmakers renew calls to shut down POGOs after foreign student’s abduction
• Abante tells House: Pass bill banning Pogos or risk games’ return
• 11 Filipinos, 4 others jailed in Nigeria for internet scams
• PH among top 10 sources of romance scams – Moody’s
• 5,000 Australians targeted by scam hub in Philippines
• Parang POGO lang!(Same as Pogo) Chiz Escudero seeks probe on inland gaming hubs
• Tulfo sounds alarm; only 10% of Pogo workers were deported after deadline
• Some gov’t execs teaching Pogos to mask activities -Hontiveros

 'Unstable politics' drags Philippines' potential to succeed Vietnam as export hub—think tank

"Unstable politics" in the Philippines is getting in the way of it becoming an alternative regional export hub to Vietnam amid the threat of tariffs from US President Donald Trump, according to the think tank Capital Economics.

 High power costs and connectivity issues keep Philippines behind in data centers -Saavedra

The Philippines lags behind Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia in attracting hyperscalers and global companies for their data center needs.

 IT-BPM sector raises 2026 revenue target to $42 billion

The information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) sector has revised upward its projected revenues next year to $42 billion, driven by the continued expansion of global capability centers (GCCs) into the country.

 One-day biz registration now open to 81 sectors

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is moving to make company registration faster and more accessible, expanding its one-day registration program to cover more industries.

 Gov’t to create policy vs gambling addiction: Marcos Jr.

The government has “started to organize” conference for online gambling stakeholders as it seeks to draft policies against gambling addiction in the Philippines, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Thursday.

 PHL seen among countries driving global meat consumption growth

THE PHILIPPINES joins a select group of growing economies that will drive expanding meat consumption over the next decade or so, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) said.

 US readers vote Jollibee as best fast food fried chicken anew

Readers of American newspaper USA Today hailed Jollibee's famous "crispy-licious" chicken as the best for the second year in a row.

 PH agri, manufacturing sectors excluded from tariff concessions to US: Govt

The Philippines' domestic agricultural and manufacturing sectors are not included in the trade concessions recently given to the United States, the Department of Trade and Industry and Malacañang's 'economic czar' said on Thursday.

 Philippines barely hangs on as world’s 3rd largest banana exporter

The Philippines hung by a thread as it remained as the world’s third largest banana exporter amid stiffer competition posed by rising South American producers, according to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization.

 Marcos seen to back Blue Economy Act, says Palace

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is likely to give his green light to the proposed Blue Economy Act, which seeks to enrich the country’s marine resources and protect the rights and welfare of fisherfolk, a Palace official said on Thursday.

 No time to waste: Francis Lim vows ‘urgent, transparent’ capital market reforms

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has pledged swift and transparent implementation of reforms to support President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s goal of building an inclusive and efficient capital market in the Philippines.

 Filipino-Chinese group hails Senate passing of 99-yr land lease, right-of-way bills

The Filipino-Chinese business community on Wednesday lauded the Senate’s approval of two long-overdue economic reform bills, one allowing 99-year land lease for foreigners and the other streamlining right-of-way procedures.

 Fresh durian set to enter Egypt market

After its successful entry into the China market, fresh durian from the Philippines is now cleared for export to Egypt, the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI) announced on Thursday.

 Marcos bares National Steel Corp. revival plan

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said there are ongoing discussions among local and foreign groups regarding the revival of the National Steel Corp. (NSC).

 Marcos creates electronics, semiconductor industry advisory body

President Marcos has issued Administrative Order (AO) No. 31, creating the Semiconductor and Electronics Industry (SEI) Advisory Council to strengthen the country's semiconductor and electronics industry, ensure global competitiveness, and accelerate the sector's growth.

 5 Philippine hotels get Michelin Key distinctions

Five hotels in the Philippines made the cut of the inaugural Global Michelin Keys Selection, a new benchmark of the famous Michelin Guide for excellence in lodging.

Related:

• Blue tourism roadmap pushed to boost PH economy, sustainability
• Marcos pushes Pangasinan tourism with new Hundred Islands viewpoint
• DOT backs unified Asean visa system
• 2 Philippine beaches rise to 2nd, 38th spots in 'World's 50 Best Beaches' list
• Marcos OKs Digital Nomad Visas  for foreign remote workers
• Philippines bags top tourism award at Routes Asia 2025
• Philippines launches VAT refund for foreign tourists
• DOT invites Hollywood execs to film in Philippines
• ‘Manila capable of evolving into global playground city’
• Despite tension, China remains an 'important market' in PH tourism — DOT
• DOT to host Terra Madre Asia Pacific 2025; pushing PH as gastronomy hub
• World Travel Awards founder recommends Philippines as ‘must-visit MICE destination’
• PH is still the ‘World’s Leading Dive Destination’ for 2024 – WTA
• Manila, a haven for affordable luxury, except for pricey whisky amid weak peso

 DOJ fortifies fight vs money laundering, terrorism after PH's exit from EC's list of 'high-risk' countries

The Department of Justice (DOJ) vowed to further fortify the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing activities after the Philippines was removed from the European Commission’s (EC) list of “high-risk” countries.

Related:

• Philippines vows to implement rigorous measures, ensuring no 'grey list' return
• PH finally exits dirty money ‘grey list
• SEC takes steps to ensure PH stays out of FATF grey list
• Marcos POGO ban order a 'big factor' in PH removal from FATF grey list –Palace
• China willing to work with PH vs crimes
• Mastercard launches AI-powered Anti-money laundering service TRACE in PH
• PH exit from FATF grey list to boost jobs, investments -Bersamin

 Marcos signs CREATE MORE Act amending corporate income taxes law

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday signed into law the measure that amends the law on corporate income taxes. The measure titled Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act or Republic Act (RA) No. 12066, seeks to boost the country’s economy.

 Upcoming $600-million World Bank loan to help upskill Filipino workers

A $600-million (over ₱33-billion) loan scheduled to be greenlit by the Washington-based World Bank in December is aiming to not only help sustain robust economic expansion in the Philippines but also ensure that Filipino workers are ready to reap growth-induced employment.

Related:

• World Bank-funded deal modernizes Leyte banana chips processing
• US bares P3B aid to boost PH energy, maritime programs

 Filipino jobs may get some reprieve from AI, thanks to lack of technology -World Bank

Filipino workers need not worry about artificial intelligence (AI) immediately taking over their jobs as the World Bank reported that developing countries, including the Philippines, have lower exposure to AI disruptions. This relatively smaller exposure is "partly due to a different labor market structure in developing countries, with more jobs involving manual labor or interpersonal interaction." Such jobs are less susceptible to significant changes brought about by AI.

 PH miners strike gold as global prices skyrocket

The Philippine mining industry, especially companies engaged in gold extraction, is poised to gain from record-high gold prices in the global market.

 3 lawmakers file SOGIESC equality bill to fight discrimination

Three lawmakers have filed a bill seeking to make discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics (SOGIESC) a punishable offense.

Related:

• Ensuring true equality: The dangers of gender ideology and the Sogie bill
  One of these concerns is the introduction of gender ideology in the school curriculum. While advocates argue for encouraging children to explore their gender identity, valid concerns arise about potential confusion and psychological distress. Children require protection and guidance, and introducing complex and subjective concepts at a young age may have unintended consequences.

 Foreign chambers push for reforms to close Philippines' competitiveness gap

Members of the Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines (JFC) have presented a fresh list of reforms to the government, aimed at increasing the competitiveness of the Philippines, which has lagged behind its peers in Southeast Asia.

 Budget bottlenecks stall World Bank-backed Philippine digital infrastructure push

The World Bank has downgraded the implementation progress of the loan-funded Philippines Digital Infrastructure Project due to delayed budget cover.

 Blockchaining budget and AI-powered project monitoring to curb corruption: DICT

The Department of Information and Communications Technology again threw its support behind moves to put the 2026 Budget on blockchain saying this will help curb corruption.

 DOE, DICT have billions in unspent funds—DBM

Government agencies posted a 94-percent utilization rate of their cash allocations in the first seven months of 2025, unchanged from a year ago, but the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) continued to trail behind.

 Poor planning, not climate change sinking Metro Manila —urban planner Palafox

Metro Manila’s annual floods are often blamed on climate change — but for architect and urban planner Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr., it's just an easy excuse masking decades of government inaction.

 44 foreign-assisted projects face delays

Around 44 infrastructure projects funded through official development assistance (ODA) are delayed, according to data from the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev).

 Over 5,000 poor families to own land via revived housing program

More than 5,000 Filipino families from low-income communities are set to own land through the revived on-site housing projects in key areas of the country, as part of the government’s renewed push for its mass housing program.

 Outdated election law led Comelec to overstep in 2025 polls — EU observers

Election observers from the European Union have urged the Philippines to fix its outdated and fragmented election code after finding the Commission on Elections "effectively created new rules" and contradicted existing laws through a flurry of new resolutions for the midterm polls.

 ‘President Marcos admin has P1 trillion delayed ODA projects’

The three-year-old administration of President Marcos has “nearly” P1 trillion worth of “delayed projects,” which needs pushing before he steps down in mid-2028.

 Professor exposes poor records management at state-run fund

The Pag-IBIG Funds’ records management system is apparently so archaic that it has no consolidated records of contributions made by members.

 Philippines retains ‘partly free’ status as democracy struggles

THE PHILIPPINES maintained its “partly free” status for the second consecutive year in the 2025 Freedom in the World report by US-based Freedom House, as inequalities in its justice system remain.

 (PH infra) 61st out of 67 countries in 2024

In 2019, the World Economic Forum ranked the Philippines’ infrastructure 96th out of 141 countries in that year’s Global Competitiveness Report, which aims to provide annual assessments of selected countries’ drivers of long-term economic growth and productivity. The country’s transport infrastructure was ranked 102nd out of 141, while utility infrastructure placed 96th.

The country’s lowest ranking was in education, placing 63rd out of 67, dropping by one position from 2023. It ranked 60th for both health and environment and scientific infrastructure (down three spots from 2023), and ranked 62nd in basic infrastructure (down four spots from 2023).

Related:

• Lack of centralized data hampers infra planning in Philippines, says PIDS
• Weak public services cripple Philippine businesses—World Bank

 ‘Free Funeral Services’ bill lapses into law

A bill granting free funeral services to the poor has lapsed into law without the signature of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

 Fil-Chinese businessmen back Customs reforms on fair trade

The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) expressed its support to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for pursuing a sweeping tight governance measure to avoid corruption inside and outside the agency.

 Marcos signs Accelerated and Reformed Right-of-Way Act

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law the Accelerated and Reformed Right-of-Way Act, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Thursday.

 Marcos signs E-Governance Act

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law the E-Governance Act, which institutionalizes a secure digital system that streamlines government processes. The law aims to reduce red tape and promote transparency, which allows the government to deliver public services faster to Filipinos.

 Marcos open to Charter change via Con-con to close loopholes – Palace

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will not oppose calls to amend the 1987 Constitution through a constitutional convention (Con-con) as long as it would help improve the charter and close loopholes in its provisions, Malacañang said Tuesday.

 Sotto pushes for new FOI law

Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III has filed a bill giving citizens the right to information on matters of public concern and providing a mechanism for full public disclosure on all government transactions involving public interest.

 Sara Duterte: Digitalization `weapon against corruption’

Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday urged greater investment in digital transformation, describing it as a “weapon against corruption” that can end the manipulation of public funds through the digitalization of government processes.

Related:

• Expect fresh scrutiny of Pharmally case, says Remulla
• A turning point: Anti-corruption protests could lead to PH reforms, investor trust – FPI
• ‘Sumbong sa Pangulo’ website gets nearly 20,000 complaints: Palace
• Sandro Marcos files bill banning relatives of public officials from getting gov't contracts
• Marcos backs bank secrecy waiver for government execs
• Lacson bills strip officials of bank secrecy
• SC to Filipinos: Help us catch corrupt judges
• Lawmaker files anti-padrino bill

 Romualdez files bill to reform national budgeting system

Romualdez's Budget Modernization Act proposes a shift to a cash-based budgeting system, which aims to "accelerate the delivery of government services, eliminate wasteful spending, and make all government transactions easier to monitor and assess."

 Gatchalian files bill to prevent Philippine citizenship fraud

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian has filed a bill seeking to establish a new civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) system to prevent foreign nationals from fraudulently acquiring Philippine citizenship.

 Marcos signs Government Optimization Act to rid gov’t of redundant posts, simplify procedures

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law a measure that allows his office to dissolve or merge government agencies and positions to “eliminate, redundancies, overlaps, and duplications in its operations and simplify its rules and regulations… while protecting the welfare of civil servants and other government workers.“

Related:

• Senate OKs gov't optimization bill
• Nat’l gov’t can save billions from rightsizing program – DBM official
• Rightsizing program law to address vacant plantilla positions -DBM

 Dial 911 anywhere: DILG eyes emergency call system nationwide

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is aiming to roll out a unified 911 emergency call system in July.

 Marcos Jr. ready to work with legit opposition, not ‘obstructionists’

The Marcos administration is ready to work with the “legitimate” opposition to advance the interests of the nation, but would fight “obstructionists” who are derailing policies for their personal interests, Malacañang said yesterday.

 British Chamber looks forward to the new Congress, passing key legislation and further liberalization of economy

The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) looks forward to the newly-elected Senate officials and the 20th Congress to prioritize further economic liberalization to assist in driving the country’s economic growth.

 US ensures continued aid to PH won't fall to corruption

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian & Pacific Affairs Jonathan Fritz said in a recent media roundtable hosted by the US Embassy in Manila that while the US will continue its assistance to the Philippines despite recent revelations, they will take on the responsibility of ensuring the funds are being well-spent.

Related:

• Japan remains Philippines' biggest source of low-cost infra loans in 2024
• Japanese gov’t vows to continue infra, development support in Bangsamoro
• Baguio City’s circular economy drive gets EU funding support
• DOF secures ₱1-billion EU grant for justice sector, anti-corruption, women's support
• Philippines gets €16.5M EU support for justice and governance reforms
• Philippines to modernize civil service with $67-million World Bank loan
• Malaysia to help Cebu City government in its infrastructure projects
• Japan grants P121 M for Filipinos to study in Japanese universities