Tourism Becomes a Central Economic Engine The Philippines has officially emerged as the largest tourism economy in ASEAN, according to new regional data. The milestone reflects years of recovery efforts, infrastructure investment, and rising domestic and international travel demand. Tourism leaders say the ranking highlights not only visitor numbers, but the sector’s growing economic weight.…
National Learning Recovery Enters a New Phase The Philippine Department of Education is deepening its partnership with Microsoft to accelerate learning recovery and improve digital literacy across public schools. The collaboration focuses on addressing foundational learning gaps while preparing students and teachers for responsible artificial intelligence use. Officials say the initiative reflects growing urgency to…
Call for Stronger Anti-Corruption Institutions The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc has renewed calls for decisive governance reforms in the Philippines. The group stressed that corruption remains a major barrier to sustained economic growth. It urged the creation of a genuinely independent anti-corruption body. According to the federation, proven models…
Indo-Pacific Security Reaches Central Europe A maritime dispute thousands of miles away is now being framed as a direct economic risk to Central Europe. Philippine officials recently highlighted how tensions in the South China Sea could threaten the economic stability of the Czech Republic and other European economies. The issue was discussed at a forum…
Claims Spark Political Controversy The lawyer for former congressman Zaldy Co has categorically denied allegations that his client amassed billions of pesos in bitcoin and constructed a multi-level underground vault to store cash. The accusations were publicly raised by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, prompting sharp rebuttals and renewed debate over political accountability. Attorney Ruy Rondain…
Flood Disasters Expose Structural Governance Failures The Philippines’ exposure to powerful typhoons is a long-standing reality, but recent disasters have revealed deeper structural failures that go far beyond geography or climate. A deadly combination of corruption, weak oversight, and poorly executed flood-control projects has turned extreme weather into a recurring national catastrophe. Within a single…
AI Development Risks Leaving Low-Income Countries Further Behind Artificial intelligence promises transformative benefits, but experts warn that many low- and middle-income countries lack the systems needed to use it effectively. Limited infrastructure, weak institutions, and inadequate statistical capacity may cause AI to deepen existing global inequalities. Researchers note that countries in the Global South enter…
Central Bank Weighs Policy Adjustment The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is signaling that another interest rate cut remains possible as the year draws to a close. Governor Eli Remolona Jr. said the central bank is closely monitoring economic data ahead of its final monetary policy meeting scheduled for December 11. While no decision is guaranteed,…
Philippine Streets Mobilize Amid Explosive Scandal Mass protests surged across Manila as tens of thousands of Filipinos demanded President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s resignation over corruption allegations. The demonstrations revealed rising public anger toward misuse of government funds and years of unresolved infrastructure failures. The protests, led by the People’s Movement Against Corruption, gathered large crowds…
Digital Adoption Surges Despite Infrastructure Limitations Nationwide The Philippines experienced strong digital acceleration in 2025 driven by high mobile usage, growing e-commerce, and expanding AI engagement. New national reports highlight increasing dependence on digital tools across communication, financial services, and public transactions. However, the surge in usage exposed underlying weaknesses in infrastructure and governance frameworks.…
