ECCP at Work

Q2 foreign investment pledges slide by 64% amid tariff uncertainty

Foreign investment pledges plunged by 64.4% in the second quarter as investor sentiment turned cautious amid heightened global uncertainty driven by flip-flopping US tariff policies.

Marcos scrutinizing ‘Konektadong Pinoy’ bill

Malacañang said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is now reviewing the Konektadong Pinoy bill (KPB) as opposition to it continues to grow. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that the Chief Executive has received the enrolled bill, which was ratified in the 19th Congress.

Offshore wind auction on track for this year

The Department of Energy (DoE) said the fifth round of the green energy auction (GEA-5) this year, which is dedicated to offshore wind, will keep the industry on track to start generating power by 2028.

Illicit trade poses threat to Southeast Asian maritime security: experts

International policy experts are calling for tougher cross-border controls to stop the flow of illicit goods which poses a threat to Southeast Asian maritime security.

ERC speeds up resolution of pending cases

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on Thursday vowed to resolve at the soonest time possible around 5,000 pending cases by classifying and assigning these to each commissioners.

Government debt to climb past P19 trillion in 2026

The national government’s outstanding debt is expected to breach P19 trillion next year, based on the Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing for fiscal year 2026.

Local call centers tie up with ex-lawmaker to defend industry from ‘major threats’

The Philippine business process outsourcing (BPO) sector is teaming up with a former lawmaker to shield the local industry from isolationism, rapid rise of automation and the “aggressive” upskilling of competitors like Vietnam.

Five carmakers control market; industry grows 1.4%

Five automakers – four Japan-based and  an American brand –  with a combined market share of 81.7 percent, lifted the local car industry to a modest growth of 1.4 percent in the first seven months of the year, according to an industry report.

DBM chief wants to limit unprogrammed appropriations

Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman wants to limit unprogrammed appropriations to not more than 5% of the national budget. The DBM on Wednesday submitted to Congress the proposed P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026.

PH studies integrating nuclear energy into power supply mix

The Philippines is conducting an extensive review of its laws, regulations and policies to prepare for the integration of nuclear energy into the national power supply mix, the Department of Energy (DOE) said. 

Marcos directs DA to address banana industry concerns

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Agriculture (DA) to address the banana industry’s concerns following reports of declining production and market share, a move aimed at preventing a looming crisis.

Entire sugar output next year alloted for local use

The country’s entire sugar production for the upcoming crop year will be allocated exclusively again for domestic consumption, according to the Sugar Regulatory Administration.

Bad loans slip to 3-month low, but banks remain cautious

Bad loans in the Philippine banking system fell to a three-month low in June, helped by the central bank’s ongoing interest rate cuts, which could ease debt servicing burden. However, lenders remain cautious and have increased their provisions to cover possible credit losses.

Gov’t eyes debt swaps to arrest short-term payment buildup

The government plans to roll out a regular debt swap program aimed at spreading out the repayment schedule of its borrowings, which have been piling up in the short term and could strain public finances. 

AI could boost Philippine economy by P1.8 trillion

Artificial Intelligence technologies can potentially boost the Philippine economy by P1.8 trillion (around $31 billion), as Filipinos increasingly use AI for work and upskilling, according to a report by Google Philippines and consulting firm Public First.