ECCP at Work

AI readiness needs human-centered approach

The Future of Work Forum brought together government, business and education leaders calling for stronger investment in Filipino workers as artificial intelligence reshapes the country’s labor market. ECCP Human Capital Committee Co-chairperson Atty. Zuñiga said technology will continue to evolve, but people’s ability to adapt, collaborate and invest in human capital will determine the country’s success.

SEC, BIR join forces to support ease of doing business initiatives

The collaboration is expected to reduce duplicative submissions, promote consistent and traceable financial information as well as enable both agencies to perform their regulatory functions more efficiently while advancing the government’s ease of doing business agenda.

House panel approves two tax measures

The House of Representatives’ Committee on Ways and Means has approved two State of the Nation Address (Sona) priority tax measures designed to strengthen household purchasing power, ease the financial burden on businesses, and support broader economic growth beginning in 2027.

Semiconductor exports could reach up to $54B this year — SEIPI

Philippine exports of semiconductor and electronic products could reach a new high of $54 billion this year amid surging demand for tech components needed to support artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and data centers, an industry group said.

BSP sees less pressure to hike after Q2 growth slump

The Bangko Sentral  ng Pilipinas (BSP) remains open to further tightening to steer inflation back to its target but feels less pressure to do so after domestic growth weakened anew. BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. on Monday said they could still hike “as much as necessary” to ensure inflation continues to soften and eventually return near their 3% goal.

Anemic GDP seen to temper rate hikes

The weaker second-quarter growth could prompt the central bank to slow the pace of rate increases, or pause them altogether, as policymakers may seek to avoid adding pressure to an economy already strained by high inflation and weak confidence, analysts said.

Big-time rollback in fuel prices effective Tuesday

In separate advisories on Monday, Seaoil, Jetti Petroleum, and Petron said prices of their respective diesel products will be reduced by PHP4.30 per liter effective 6 a.m. on Tuesday. Gasoline prices will be slashed off PHP4.70 per liter during the same time.

US extends $600 million grant for Philippines health care program

The Philippines has secured a $600-million grant from the United States to improve the country’s health care sector and its capacity to respond to public health threats, the Department of Finance (DOF) said.

PSEi ends steady, peso rises as traders await market catalysts

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) closed almost unchanged on Monday as cautious investors turned their focus toward the next market catalysts following last week’s economic growth data, while the peso managed gains against the United States dollar.

NG debt service bill increases to P77.2 billion in June

The National Government’s (NG) debt service bill jumped in June on higher interest and amortization payments, the Bureau of the Treasury said. The latest Treasury data showed payments made by the government for its obligations rose by 18.5% to P77.22 billion in June from P65.14 billion in the same month a year ago.

Palace readies P7.2T budget for Congress filing Tuesday

Malacañang is set to submit to Congress today, Tuesday, the proposed P7.2 trillion budget for 2027,  Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced on Monday. She said the proposed budget prioritizes the allocation and spending on education, health, livelihood and security, among others.

Rough seas from ‘habagat’ halt ferry trips across 11 Port Management areas

Ferry trips were cancelled in 11 Port Management Office (PMO) areas on Sunday August 9, as the southwest monsoon brought adverse weather and rough sea conditions across parts of the country, disrupting travel for passengers.