ECCP at Work

Budget deficit shrinks to P18.9B in July

The National Government’s (NG) budget deficit sharply narrowed in July amid the sluggish pace of revenue collection and spending, the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) said on Thursday.

Philippine central bank says rates could be on hold for rest of year

Philippine central bank Governor Eli Remolona said on Friday it was possible for policymakers to keep the key policy rate steady for the rest of the year if the inflation and growth outlook remained the same.

Ecozone investments surge 72% in 8 months

Investments cleared by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) jumped by 72 percent to P105.83 billion from January to August compared to last year’s P61.69 billion amid continued efforts to encourage investors to set up operations in the country.

PHL seas, energy program may get chunk of ADB loan

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) pipeline for the Philippines covers $2.64 billion worth of projects for this year and next year. Nine projects are slated for approval in 2025 and 2026, according to the Manila-based multilateral development bank.

DA prepares $70 million agricultural insurance pool

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is securing a $70-million insurance fund with support from the World Bank to cover at least 750,000 farmers nationwide, aiming to protect them from losses caused by calamities and other risks.

‘Government should require technology transfer in auto perks program’

The government should insert a technology transfer requirement in its auto incentives program to secure the operations and jobs of Filipino manufacturers of foreign auto brands setting up shop in the country.

Lacson seeks review of PCAB law amid ‘accreditation for sale’ claims

Sen. Panfilo Lacson is calling for a review of the law that created the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) as he disclosed recent reports claiming the agency is engaged in “accreditation for sale.”

NEV industry charges ahead, sales surge 24% to 29.7K units

At least 29,715 new energy vehicles (NEVs) have been sold from January to June 2025, indicating an unstoppable shift to electric cars, according to an industry report.

Farmers decry delayed fertilizer subsidy; ‘ghost deliveries’ feared

The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) has pressed the Department of Agriculture (DA) for answers on the delayed distribution of fertilizer subsidies, warning that the holdup in some regions could amount to “ghost deliveries.”

PHL pledges full funding for JICA-assisted infrastructure projects

The Philippine government has committed to fully financing its counterpart share in Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-assisted infrastructure projects, aiming to resolve budget constraints that have delayed implementation.

Government opens infra database to public

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has officially launched the Digital Information for Monitoring and Evaluation (DIME) project, aimed at tracking the progress of infrastructure projects in the country.

Auction for offshore wind delayed to fourth quarter

The Department of Energy (DoE) said the auction round for offshore wind projects has been delayed to the fourth quarter from the original third-quarter target.

BoI well behind target pace on investment proposals as of July

The Board of Investments (BoI) approved P398.94 billion worth of investment pledges in the first seven months, equivalent to about 22% of its target for the year.

Philippines growth seen slowing in 2nd half

Philippine economic growth is expected to slow in the second half as global economic conditions weaken and reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States take full effect, according to research and analysis firm BMI.

PHL allows commercial use of bird flu vaccine

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an attached agency of the Department of Health, has approved the commercial use of the country’s first vaccine against bird flu, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).