ECCP at Work

House panel eyes approval of bill letting Marcos suspend fuel excise taxes this week

A House of Representatives committee will take up on Wednesday a proposal to suspend excise tax collections on petrol, a congressman said on Monday, seeking its swift approval to pave the way for plenary passage before Congress goes on a month-long break next week.

Global disruptions seen to open trade opportunities for Asean – DTI

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has an opportunity to seize new trade opportunities amid ongoing global disruptions, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

‘Inflation may breach target in prolonged Mideast war’

Inflation could rise beyond the government’s target if the conflict in the Middle East persists and global oil prices climb to as much as $140 per barrel, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev) warned on Monday, even as the Department of Energy (DOE) assured the public that the Philippines has a sufficient fuel supply to last until April despite ongoing global tensions.

DOE to seek emergency powers for Marcos

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the DOE would formally ask Congress on Monday to grant the president temporary emergency powers to reduce excise taxes on petroleum products.

Travel tax abolition bill hurdles House committee

A House of Representatives committee approved on Monday a measure to abolish the travel tax, citing the need to relieve the burden on travelers.

Gross borrowings rise to P2.65 trillion in 2025

The National Government’s gross borrowings increased to P2.65 trillion in 2025, driven mainly by higher domestic debt issuances to finance the budget deficit and fund priority spending.

Mideast war poses credit risks to PHL

Fitch Ratings warned that a prolonged Middle East conflict, particularly disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, could pose credit risks to the Philippines by straining oil imports, remittance flows, the peso, and inflation.

Agriculture department expects faster farm output growth in Q1

The Department of Agriculture expects farm output to grow faster this quarter, driven by higher production in poultry, crops, rice, and fisheries, though projections are being recalibrated due to potential impacts of the Middle East conflict on fuel and fertilizer costs.

TESDA partners with Bossjob to accelerate ‘technical vocational’ employment

Bossjob has partnered with TESDA to integrate its AI-powered recruitment platform into the TESDA Skills Passport app, aiming to connect technical-vocational graduates with job opportunities and better align training with industry demand.

Philippine factory output saw slower growth in January

Philippine factory output grew at a slower pace at the start of 2026, as sluggish domestic demand and stalled investments weighed on manufacturing activity.