Record Low Peso: Market Bets on BSP Rate Cut Push PHP to 59.22 Against the USD
The Philippine Peso (PHP) plunged to a fresh all-time low of 59.22 against the US Dollar (USD) on Tuesday, driven by strong market expectations that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will cut its benchmark interest rate at its final meeting of the year on December 11
The Jobless Jolt: Philippine Unemployment Rate Spikes to 5%, Signaling Economic Headwinds
The Philippine labor market saw a significant setback in October 2025, as the unemployment rate surged to 5.0 percent from 3.8 percent in September, equating to an additional 580,000 Filipinos out of work.
Philippine Banks' Bad Debt Ratio Hits 2-Month High: A Forex Stress Signal
The Philippine banking sector's asset quality has weakened, with the Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio reaching 3.33% of total loans in October. This measure, which includes loans overdue by at least 90 days and at high risk of default, is a crucial indicator of financial stress and is closely watched by institutions seeking Global Markets Eruditio.
The P13.5M Question: Why a Tissue Paper Scandal is a Forex Lesson
The latest audit report from the Commission on Audit (COA) reveals an alarming instance of gross procurement mismanagement within the Social Security System (SSS). State auditors flagged the SSS for purchasing 143,424 rolls of tissue paper valued at approximately P13.5 million ($230,000 USD) in a transaction criticized for showing signs of poor planning and overstocking.
Looming Fiscal Cliff: Why the Philippines' Budget Crisis Could Shake the PHP
The clock is ticking for the Philippine Congress to pass the proposed 2026 national budget. In an urgent statement, Malacañang Press Officer Claire Castro stressed the severe operational challenges and economic drawbacks that would result if the government is forced to run on a reenacted budget—a continuation of the previous year's spending plan.
The Reckoning: PBBM Vows Relentless Campaign Against "Shocking" Corruption
Speaking at the Malacañang media year-end fellowship, President Marcos Jr. adopted a firm stance against entrenched governance issues. He expressed personal shock over the recent revelations of irregularities and pledged to dismantle the system of "entitlement" and "abuse" that has plagued public service.
Philippine Agri Smuggling: A Trillion-Peso Threat to Food Security and the Peso
Philippine lawmakers are sounding a grave alarm over the pervasive and increasingly sophisticated nature of agricultural smuggling, labeling it a clear national security threat.
From Farm to Forex: How PH-Canada Agri Collab Brews Mutually Beneficial Growth
The Philippines' Department of Agriculture (DA) recently emphasized the fortified partnership with Canada following a pivotal development meeting between DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development, Randeep Sarai, in early November 2025. DA Secretary Tiu Laurel articulated the significance of this alliance, stating that Canada remains a "vital partner" in strengthening the agricultural sector.
From Remittance Engine to Nation-Builder: The CFO’s Strategic Pivot for the Filipino Diaspora
The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), under the leadership of Secretary Dante Francis Ang II, is undertaking a major strategic shift, refocusing its core efforts from merely facilitating migration and remittance flows to actively cultivating the global Filipino diaspora as a powerful strategic national asset for nation-building.
Beyond the Scandals: Why Low Inflation Secures the Philippines' Investment Grade
In a candid assessment of the Philippines' economic standing, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian recently highlighted the country's stable inflation environment as the primary buffer against lingering governance challenges. His comments, delivered during a virtual press briefing, affirm the view that key macroeconomic indicators—especially price stability—are dictating the nation’s economic trajectory and maintaining its critical investment-grade standing among major credit rating agencies.
The Verdict of The Hague: ICC Appeals Chamber Upholds Duterte's Continued Detention
In a pivotal ruling delivered on Friday, the International Criminal Court (ICC) Appeals Chamber denied the request by former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to overturn an earlier decision and secure his interim release.
The Integrity Test: PBBM Vows "Airtight" Cases in Flood Control Corruption Probe
Malacañang has stepped forward to reassure the Filipino public that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is fully committed to delivering on his promise to dismantle corruption, specifically in the ongoing probe into multi-billion peso "ghost" and substandard flood control projects.
Diplomacy Meets Digitalization: PBBM and Zelenskyy Cement a Future-Proof Partnership
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently spoke to reaffirm their bilateral relationship and chart a course for expanded technical cooperation.
Charting the Course: Philippines Lays Groundwork for ASEAN 2026 Chairship
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn at Malacañan Palace on Thursday to finalize preparatory work for the Philippines' assumption of the ASEAN Chairship in 2026.
Philippines Corruption Scandal Won’t Derail EU and Canada FTA Talks: What Traders and Investors Should Know
The ongoing flood control corruption scandal in the Philippines has raised public eyebrows, but according to EU and Canadian ambassadors, it will not derail ongoing free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with the country.
Senate Approves PHP308.2-B DILG Budget for 2026: What This Means for Filipinos and Public Safety
The Philippine Senate has approved a PHP308.2-billion budget for the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for 2026, a significant increase from the original PHP285.4-billion proposal. The move demonstrates the government’s ongoing commitment to public safety, local governance, and operational efficiency.
How Citizen Reports Are Uncovering Flood Scams and What It Means for the Philippine Economy
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently highlighted the vital role of citizen reports in exposing irregularities in flood control projects. These efforts are part of broader digital reforms and transparency initiatives aimed at curbing corruption and promoting accountability in government infrastructure programs.
Senate Leadership Draws the Line: Arrests Off-Limits Inside, But Outside the Senate, the Law Prevails
Senate President Vicente Sotto III reaffirmed on Saturday that no senator may be arrested within the Senate, citing the institution’s dignity and courtesy. This comes amid circulating reports that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a warrant of arrest against Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, a key implementer of the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.
ICC Warrants Could Go Directly to Law Enforcement, DFA Clarifies Amid Dela Rosa Reports
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) clarified on Saturday that arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) may be sent directly to law enforcement agencies, rather than being routed through embassies or other government offices.
Marcos Champions MSME Empowerment and Digital Trade at APEC: What It Means for the Philippine Economy and Forex Markets
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. took the global stage at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea, with a powerful message: empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and strengthen digital trade to create more inclusive and resilient economies.