ECCP at Work

Business groups, civil society orgs back DFA call for sustained PH-China dialogue

In a joint statement, the groups commended DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro's recent talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, noting that the engagement reflects the agency's pursuit of principled diplomacy with the country's "top trading partner."

Business group seeks gov’t support as rising costs squeeze margins

THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is calling for government intervention to help businesses cope with shrinking profit margins amid rising operating costs and a weaker peso, as it expects challenging business conditions to persist into 2027.

BI supports DOTr push for wider e-gates in NAIA

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) supported the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) proposal to expand the use of electronic immigration gates (e-gates) across Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to speed up passenger clearance and reduce the necessity of immigration interviews.

ASEAN summit highlights PH leadership, readiness for new investments

The Philippines plans to leverage its hosting of the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings to showcase its capacity to lead and shape regional priorities while attracting new investments and meaningful partnerships.

Angara calls for stricter digital protection for students

Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara urged technology and social media firms to implement tougher age-verification controls and delete online content that highlights violence and targets young learners into radicalization.

DFA rebukes PH officials over China comments, says they must align with Marcos policy

The Department of Foreign Affairs on Sunday rebuked other Philippine government bodies and officials over their comments about China, saying these can undermine diplomatic efforts and that public officials must be aligned with the administration in its response.

Metro Manila cops ordered to professionally implement security checks for ASEAN 2026

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) leadership ordered its personnel to professionally conduct security protocols during the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits on November 16 to 18.

Emergency cash transfer assistance provided to El Niño-hit farmers

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Sunday said that it has already started providing emergency cash transfer (ECT) assistance to farmers who were affected by the potentially strong El Niño.

PCG: Contaminated materials recovered from Bataan oil spill, shifts to monitoring

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has shifted from active oil spill response to monitoring operations after recovering oil-contaminated materials in the coastal waters of Mariveles, Bataan.

Clark, Subic security measures in place for ASEAN Summit 2026 —organizing council

There will be also security deployment outside of Metro Manila as the country gears up to welcome global leaders for the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits on November 16 to 18, the organizing council said on Sund

P30M water impounding project completed in Kalinga —DA 

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said that it has completed a P30 million small water impounding project in Tabuk City, Kalinga, which could help supply irrigation to farmers amid the ongoing El Niño phenomenon.

Philippine GDP grows 2.1% in Q3, weakest since pandemic

The Philippine economy expanded by 2.1% year on year in the third quarter, unexpectedly slowing from a year ago as agricultural output declined amid El Niño, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Monday.

Philippine dollar reserves fall to near 4-year low

As of end-October, the country’s gross international reserves (GIR) stood at $97.35 billion, declining 11.7% from $110.249 billion a year ago, preliminary Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data showed. This was the lowest GIR level in nearly four years or since the $96.149 billion recorded as of end-December 2022.

Philippine economic growth slips to 2.1% in Q3

The country's economy slowed to 2.1% in the third quarter of 2026, dropping from 2.4% in Q2, as elevated inflation and high interest rates continue to dampen domestic consumption and public spending.

PH dollar reserves further drop to $97.35B

Gross International Reserves (GIR) fell to $97.35 billion at the end of October—the lowest level since late 2022—driven by foreign exchange intervention to smooth out peso volatility and national government debt servicing.

ERC to cap costly power reserve prices

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) proposed secondary price caps for backup power in the Reserve Market to shield consumers from costly electricity rate spikes.

Telcos lose P18 billion to peso's weakness

Telecommunications companies accumulated nearly P18 billion in foreign exchange losses due to the weakening peso, raising costs for debt service and network capital expenditures.