ECCP at Work

Gov't urged to enforce price freeze, crack down on hoarders in preparation for Super El Niño

Sen. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan particularly called on the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Health (DOH) and the Price Coordinating Council to strengthen market monitoring, enforce applicable price freezes and recommend the imposition of price ceilings when warranted under the law to protect consumers from unreasonable price increases as the country braces for the impact of a strong El Niño.

Gasoline prices up by P3.50/L

The Department of Energy (DOE) said gasoline prices will increase by as much as P3.50 per liter effective on Tuesday. Diesel and kerosene will have price cuts of at least P1 to P1.90, respectively.

Weak Philippine peso seen adding pressure on 2027 nat’l budget

A SUSTAINED PESO depreciation could drive up the government’s debt-servicing and procurement costs next year, potentially forcing it to reassess spending priorities and rely more heavily on domestic borrowing, economists said.

Most ODA-funded PHL projects facing delay

In its 2025 ODA Portfolio Review, DepDev said 47 of the 68 ongoing ODA-assisted projects monitored during the year, or 69.12 percent, were delayed. These projects have a combined approved cost of P3.50 trillion.

Corn posts double-digit dip in output in 3rd quarter, says PSA

THE country’s corn output slid by double digits in the third quarter due to a contraction in harvest area, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Data from the PSA showed that corn production in the July to September period fell by 17 percent to 2 million metric tons (MMT), from the 2.43 MMT recorded last year.

Philippines factory activity contracts for 2nd straight month in October

Philippine factory activity contracted for a second straight month in October as weak demand weighed on output and new orders, S&P Global said. The S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) stood at 49.1 in October, down from 49.6 in September, indicating a further deterioration in operating conditions.

BSP rate hikes may further weaken household consumption, investment

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) latest rate hike could further weaken household consumption and business investment, weighing on economic growth into 2027 as its fuller effects emerge over the next two to four quarters, economists said.

Goldman Sachs hikes oil forecasts on ‘substantial’ risks to supply

GOLDMAN SACHS Group, Inc. raised oil-price forecasts for the year-end and 2027 on elevated risks to supplies, joining other banks in hiking their outlooks after months of war in the Middle East.

Lenders back tighter SEC oversight of debt collectors

Lending and financing companies Tala Philippines and Global Dominion have expressed support for proposed Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules requiring the accreditation and closer supervision of third-party debt collection agencies, citing the need to strengthen accountability and protect borrowers

Meralco plans up to P4.6-billion smart meter rollout in 2027

MANILA Electric Co. (Meralco) plans to invest up to P4.6 billion in the installation of as many as 420,000 smart meters in 2027 as part of its efforts to modernize its electricity distribution network.

SEC urges manufacturers to tap capital markets for expansion

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is encouraging Philippine manufacturers to raise funds through the capital markets to finance business expansion, including investments in production capacity, machinery, and new markets.

Finance dep’t still reviewing ‘de minimis’ rule

THE Department of Finance (DoF) has sought help from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in estimating potential revenue foregone from removing the tax exemption on low-value imports, though a Finance official added that seeking its removal may not be timely under current conditions.

MRT-3 Ortigas station-access upgrades offered to bidders

THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) said the rehabilitation of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) continues with a contract to improve pedestrian access to Ortigas Station. In a bid notice dated Oct. 28, the DoTr said the contract price is P57.53 million, with a Nov. 24 bid submission deadline.

APECO to pitch energy infra contracts in Canada

THE Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) will pitch energy companies in Alberta, Canada on building power infrastructure for its economic zone (ecozone) in Casiguran

DoE ready to defend coal auction rules from DMCI legal challenge

THE Department of Energy (DoE) is prepared to defend the rules governing the coal auction should the Consunji group take the matter to court, Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said.

BSP chief: Communicating monetary policy matters

EXPLAINING monetary policy decisions is as powerful as adjusting the policy rate at a time when uncertainty is “so high,” according to BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr.

Financing for housing program jumped 173%

FINANCING for socialized housing under the government’s “Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino“ (4PH) program jumped by 173 percent in 2026, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) said.

DOLE launches 'hotline 15/30' for quick assistance to workers' concerns

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) launched its hotline 15/30 that seeks to provide immediate assistance to workers’ concerns. The hotline replaces the former 1349 service.

BARMM opens applications for top gov’t positions

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has announced that it is now accepting applications for key leadership positions in the Bangsamoro Government.