Manila Times

Philippine Businesses Monitor Global Energy, Trade, and Geopolitical Risks Affecting Growth

Companies across the Philippines are watching global developments closely as energy costs, international conflicts, and slower worldwide growth create uncertainty for domestic economic activity and consumer demand.

Philippines Uses ASEAN Role to Address Regional Security and Economic Challenges

Manila is preparing to use upcoming ASEAN discussions to address security issues, Myanmar’s conflict, South China Sea tensions, and broader regional cooperation challenges.

Philippine Fishermen Continue Facing Access Challenges in Disputed South China Sea Areas Ten Years After Arbitration Victory

A decade after the international tribunal ruling supporting Philippine maritime rights, Filipino fishermen continue reporting difficulties accessing traditional fishing areas because of ongoing Chinese maritime activity in contested waters.

Philippines’ South China Sea Policy Remains Central to Foreign Relations and National Security Strategy

Maritime disputes with China continue to shape Philippine diplomatic and defence policies as Manila works with allies and regional partners to reinforce its position on international maritime rules.

Philippines Highlights Foreign Investment Strategy as Competition for Global Capital Intensifies

The Marcos administration is promoting the Philippines as an investment destination through partnerships in technology, healthcare, and other industries as countries across Asia compete for international business expansion.

Philippines Maintains Growth Targets Despite Weaker Global Economic Outlook

The Philippine government continues pursuing its economic growth objectives despite lower forecasts from international institutions citing geopolitical risks, weaker investment conditions, and external economic pressures.

Philippine Government Faces Inflation Risks From Energy Prices, Food Costs, and Global Uncertainty

Philippine policymakers are monitoring inflation pressures linked to energy prices, food costs, and international disruptions, with rising costs remaining a major concern for households, businesses, and economic planning.

Philippines Strengthens Defence Partnerships With United States and Japan as Maritime Concerns Increase

The Philippines is expanding security cooperation with major partners including the United States and Japan as South China Sea tensions and wider regional security concerns continue shaping Manila’s defence priorities.

Singapore Companies Explore More Philippine Expansion Opportunities as Bilateral Economic Ties Deepen

Singapore-based businesses are considering further expansion in the Philippines, with discussions focused on technology, healthcare, and other growth sectors as both countries seek stronger investment and commercial links.

Marcos Administration Promotes Singapore Partnerships to Accelerate Philippine Technology and Healthcare Growth

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s government is using expanded cooperation with Singapore to attract investment in technology, healthcare, and business services as Manila seeks to diversify growth sources and strengthen the country’s posi...

United States Coast Guard Expands Maritime Presence Near Philippines Amid South China Sea Disputes

The United States Coast Guard has deployed additional cutters to the Philippines and Singapore to support regional operations, increasing American maritime presence as tensions continue in contested areas of the South China Sea.

Philippines Joins Regional Partners in Reaffirming South China Sea Arbitration Ruling Against China Claims

The Philippines and fourteen other countries, along with the European Union, reaffirmed the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling, which rejected China’s expansive maritime claims, as governments continue efforts to uphold internationa...

Philippines and Japan Begin Talks on Defence Information-Sharing Agreement Amid Regional Security Concerns

The Philippines and Japan have agreed to begin negotiations on a General Security of Military Information Agreement to improve defence information sharing, strengthening security cooperation as both countries respond to growing Indo-Paci...

Philippines Hosts ASEAN Talks on South China Sea Tensions, Myanmar Crisis, and Regional Security

The Philippines is preparing to host ASEAN foreign ministers’ discussions covering Myanmar’s political crisis, South China Sea disputes, and wider regional security issues, with major regional and global partners expected to participate ...

Philippines Secures Singapore Technology and Healthcare Investment Commitments During Marcos Visit

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. secured new investment commitments from Singapore-based companies in technology and healthcare during his Singapore visit, as the Philippine government seeks to attract foreign capital, create jobs, and dee...

French National Assembly Overrides Senate to Pass Historic Assisted-Dying Legislation

A decisive lower house vote concludes years of intense national debate, establishing a legal framework for medically assisted suicide amid constitutional challenges.

Thomas Tuchel Faces Fierce Backlash After Tactical Retreat Costs England World Cup Final Berth

English manager's defensive substitutions and post-match remarks ignite a national controversy following a late collapse against Argentina in the semi-final.

A Quiet Bastille Day: France Grapples with World Cup Heartbreak and Leftover Fireworks

After a devastating semi-final loss to Spain on their national holiday, French fans experience the bitter reality of digital-era football as the national team heads south for a third-place playoff.

Hong Kong Expands School-Based After-School Care Program for Working Families

The Social Welfare Department has broadened its after-school care scheme for the 2026–27 academic year by removing enrollment caps, allowing more single-parent and dual-income households to access support through participating organizati...

Hong Kong Updates Workplace Rules for Rainstorms and Extreme Weather

The Labour Department has issued revised guidance urging employers to establish clear workplace arrangements during severe weather, with the aim of protecting employees while helping prevent unnecessary disputes over pay and attendance.

SingWealth Holdings Establishes PFP Capital to Expand Hong Kong Asset Management Business

SingWealth Holdings has launched Hong Kong-based PFP Capital Limited to provide research-driven investment management services focused on Greater China and global technology markets for professional investors.

Hong Kong Police Arrest Five People, Including Former Journalists, in National Security Investigation

Hong Kong's National Security Department raided the Have a Nice Stay bookstore in Mong Kok and arrested five people, including former reporters, on allegations of displaying seditious publications in violation of the Safeguarding Nationa...

Philippines Orders Longer Airport Runways to Improve Connectivity and Lower Airfares

The Department of Transportation announced that regional airports must provide runways of at least 2,100 meters to accommodate larger aircraft, expand airline competition and strengthen connectivity across the archipelago.

Overseas Filipino Worker Remittances Fall to One-Year Low

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reported that cash remittances declined to their lowest level in a year during May 2026, underscoring the importance of overseas labor markets to domestic consumption and economic stability.

Global Minimum Tax May Reduce Philippines' Investment Incentive Advantage

Economic officials warned that the implementation of a global minimum corporate tax could reduce the effectiveness of the Philippines' tax incentive programs and complicate efforts to attract multinational investment.

Government Prepares Fuel Assistance as Middle East Tensions Raise Oil Price Risks

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed government agencies to prepare targeted support for vulnerable sectors as renewed conflict in the Middle East threatens higher fuel costs, while the administration continues to weigh calls to suspe...

Typhoon Bavi and Mount Kanlaon Ashfall Disrupt Flights Across the Philippines

Airlines canceled dozens of domestic and international flights as Typhoon Bavi, which has reportedly claimed 26 lives, affected northern areas while volcanic ash from Mount Kanlaon forced temporary airspace restrictions in parts of the V...

Philippine Business Process Outsourcing Industry Cuts Long-Term Growth Forecast

The Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines lowered its 2028 revenue and employment projections, saying rapid advances in generative artificial intelligence and stronger global competition are reshaping...

Economic Planners Say Philippines Needs Stronger Growth to Meet 2026 Target

Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the economy must average 3.7 percent growth for the rest of the year after first-quarter expansion slowed to 2.8 percent, citing weaker infrastructure spen...

United States Expands Support for Luzon Economic Corridor Infrastructure

The United States Trade and Development Agency confirmed additional backing for transport, energy and logistics projects across the Luzon Economic Corridor, strengthening bilateral economic cooperation and supporting alternative regional...

Philippines Unveils Investment Plan to Attract Artificial Intelligence and Critical Minerals Projects

The Board of Investments launched its 2026–2028 investment priorities under the CREATE MORE Act, offering targeted incentives to attract foreign investment in artificial intelligence, electric vehicle infrastructure, critical mineral pro...

Philippine Senate Impeachment Court Orders Financial Records in Vice President Sara Duterte Trial

The Senate impeachment court approved subpoenas for bank documents and Anti-Money Laundering Council records sought by House prosecutors as the trial entered its sixth day, advancing an investigation into allegations of unexplained incre...

Fourteen Nations Reaffirm South China Sea Arbitral Ruling on Tenth Anniversary of Landmark Decision

The United States, Japan, Australia and 11 other countries issued a joint statement marking 10 years since the Permanent Court of Arbitration rejected China's sweeping maritime claims, reaffirming support for the ruling amid continued te...

House of Investments Sets Annual Stockholders' Meeting for August

House of Investments has announced that its Annual Stockholders' Meeting will be held on August 14, 2026, marking a key corporate event for the Yuchengco Group flagship company.

Irish National Faces Deportation After Viral Tow Truck Incident

The Bureau of Immigration has taken into custody a sixty-four-year-old Irish national involved in a widely shared confrontation with a government-contracted tow truck operator and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, with depor...

Government Expands Social Protection Programs for Street Families

The Department of Social Welfare and Development has broadened services for families living on the streets by expanding access to temporary shelter, social protection, and long-term reintegration support.

Upper-Middle-Income Status Spurs Calls for New Economic Reforms

Following the World Bank's reclassification of the Philippines as an upper-middle-income economy, analysts and investors are urging reforms to infrastructure and labor markets to sustain long-term competitiveness.

Senator Francis Escudero Proposes Overhaul of Product Regulation Framework

Senator Francis Escudero has filed legislation to reorganize the country's product regulatory system by transferring selected responsibilities of the Food and Drug Administration to other government agencies in an effort to improve regul...

Labor Department Secures More Than Three Billion Pesos for Workers Through Mediation

The National Conciliation and Mediation Board of the Department of Labor and Employment facilitated the release of more than three billion pesos in monetary benefits to over fifteen thousand workers through alternative dispute resolution.

Tropical Depression Josie Exits Philippine Area of Responsibility

State weather bureau PAGASA confirmed that Tropical Depression Josie has moved out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility and is not expected to redevelop, while a separate low-pressure area over the West Philippine Sea remains under o...

Marikina Families Receive Land Titles Under National Housing Program

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development awarded individual land titles to one hundred twenty-four informal settler families in Marikina City, strengthening housing security under the government's 4PH housing initiative.