ECCP at Work

BIR to resume issuance of LoAs within Q1

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) may resume the issuance of letters of authority (LoA) within the first quarter, as the agency seeks to boost revenue collection.

All rice imports due next month – DA

About 300,000 metric tons (MT) of imported rice must arrive in the Philippines by Feb. 28, as late shipments will be returned to their countries of origin, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.

‘Philippines unlikely to meet RE targets by 2030’

The Philippines may fall short of its clean energy targets as persistent grid bottlenecks and permitting challenges continue to slow progress, according to S&P Global.

Govt opens school to train workers on AI, blockchain, other emerging technologies

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) officially opened the country’s first government-led Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tech Academy in Mandaue City, Cebu, in January.

DTI to collaborate with PSE to help businesses go public

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) will work together to help medium and large enterprises list on the local bourse for growth.

Philippine economy seen to grow by just 5.3% this year

The Philippine economy is likely to grow below its potential this year, the regional surveillance group Amro said, as the economic fallout from an expanding corruption crackdown is compounded by repeated climate-related shocks.

PHL seeking  $305 million from World Bank to fund DTI-led project to raise SME productivity

The Philippines will seek a $305 million from the World Bank to support small and medium enterprise (SME) investments in productivity and quality upgrades, with approval targeted for 2027.

World Bank urges more investment in primary healthcare to boost economy

Economies in the Asia-Pacific should invest in enhancing their primary healthcare services to avert productivity losses from chronic diseases which serve as a drag on economic growth, the World Bank said.

Infrastructure graft weighs down cement demand

Weaker government infrastructure spending, weighed down by a multibillion-peso corruption scandal, dragged down the construction supplies industry in 2025.

DOTr eyes O&M contract award for North-South Commuter Railway in October 2026

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is targeting the award of the P229.32-billion operations and maintenance (O&M) contract for the North–South Commuter Railway (NSCR) by October 2026.

Recto presses for transparent use of 2026 budget among LGUs

Malacañang officials met with leaders of major local government leagues to reinforce the “proper, wise, and transparent” use of the 2026 national budget, the Office of Executive Secretary (OES) Ralph Recto said on Wednesday.

WTO sees PHL as AI-ready due to business outsourcing

The World Trade Organization (WTO) said artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled services are shaping up to be a potential source of competitive advantage for the Philippines.

DoT targets more than 6.4 million tourist arrivals by 2026

The Department of Tourism (DoT) said on Tuesday that it aims to achieve more than 6.4 million tourist arrivals in 2026, surpassing the record of foreign visitors and returning overseas Filipinos from the previous year.

Tight global bond pricing shows investor confidence in Philippines — officials

Despite a global market rattled by political and economic uncertainties, the Marcos administration’s $2.75-billion offshore bond sale signaled sustained investor confidence in the Philippines, Finance Secretary Frederick Go said. 

PH 2025 payments balance below forecast at $5.66B

The Philippines’ balance of payments (BOP) stood at a deficit of $5.661 billion at the end of 2025, below government estimates of $6.2 billion, as goods trade remained soft due to weaker global demand and slower domestic growth.

More drilling results pending from Malampaya

Initial results from two Malampaya gas drilling programs are expected within the quarter, the Department of Energy (DoE) said in a statement on Tuesday.