Economy of the Philippines – Page 3

ADB Says Philippine Economy Could Grow Around 6% In 2027

February 7, 2026February 2, 2026carlocarrasco

In its latest economic analysis, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) says that the economy of the Philippines could grow by about 6% in 2027 provided that investments – both public and private – would regain strength, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of BusinessWorld. Some parts in boldface…

THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY could return to around 6% growth by 2027 if public and private investments rebound, according to Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director for the Philippines Andrew Jeffries.

“I think (the drivers are a) kind of a little of everything, but return to high investment, public and private, I think would be, to me, the key driver,” he told reporters on the sidelines of an event on Jan. 23.

Last December, the ADB slashed its Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast to 5% for 2025, from 5.6% previously. For 2026, the ADB trimmed its GDP projection to 5.3% from 5.7% previously.

This comes after a corruption scandal dampened government spending, household consumption, investor confidence and economic activity last year.

The ADB will release its updated economic outlook in April, which will include a 2027 growth forecast.

Mr. Jeffries warned that the cut in Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) budget this year, could trigger a “big slowdown” in locally funded projects.

“I guess the main variable for 2026 was how fast does the public investment recover? We were thinking maybe two quarters, so it’ll start reviving,” he said.

In a meeting with Public Works Secretary Vivencio “Vince” B. Dizon in December, Mr. Jeffries said they raised concerns about “paralysis,” where key projects risked getting stuck.

“What we’ve heard is they’re trying to make sure the priority projects are not stuck and keep moving forward quickly. I think it’s a twofold exercise,” he said. “It’s cleaning up the problem while full steam ahead on some of the other projects that weren’t a problem.”

Mr. Dizon earlier said the DPWH aims to boost spending while ensuring funds are used wisely and focus on prioritizing the “basics” such as road and bridge maintenance and unfinished projects. The agency’s target spend is set between P200 billion and P250 billion for the first quarter, he added.

Meanwhile, Mr. Jeffries said the Philippines must raise the share of exports in the economy to support long-term growth, as well as diversify its base, and boost resilience.

“It’s not something that happens overnight. It’ll be a combination of policies and attracting investment and improving the business environment and all of those things combined,” Mr. Jeffries said. “But neighbors have done it and the Philippines can do that.”

He noted the Philippines was shielded from external shocks, largely because exports remain a relatively small part of the economy.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the ADB’s analysis for the Philippines is correct? Do you think the economy of the Philippines has enough strength to grow by at least 6% in 2027?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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A Lot More Filipinos Searched For Accommodations In Vietnam In 2025

February 3, 2026January 28, 2026carlocarrasco

While the Philippines continues to endure difficulties on attracting foreign tourists (click here and here), statistics of the global travel platform Agoda revealed that a lot more Filipinos searched online for accommodations in Vietnam, according to a travel article by VnExpress.

It is recalled that Vietnam itself achieved an all-time high of 21.2 million foreign tourist arrivals counted in 2025 and among them are more Filipino visitors. Already operating are direct flights between Manila and Ho Chi Minh City.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the travel article of VnExpress. Some parts in boldface…

Travelers from the Philippines showed the strongest interest in visiting Vietnam in 2025, with accommodation searches rising 86% year-on-year, according to travel platform Agoda.

The trend was consistent with official tourism data. The number of Filipino visitors to Vietnam reached 482,173 in 2025, up 81.3% from 2024, according to the General Statistics Office.

Air connectivity between the two countries has also improved, with several carriers launching new direct routes.

In July last year, Philippine Airlines began operating a Manila-Da Nang service with three flights a week. A month later, Vietjet opened the Ho Chi Minh City-Manila route, offering five round-trip flights per week.

“Growing international interest suggests Vietnam is consolidating its position as a leading regional destination, benefiting from improved connectivity, visa policies and diversified travel experiences,” said Vu Ngoc Lam, country director at Agoda Vietnam.

Vietnam welcomed a record 21.2 million international visitors in 2025, up 20.4% from the previous year and the highest total on record.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think a lot more Filipinos will visit Vietnam this year as the direct flights continue? What is it about Vietnam that captures the interests of foreign travelers? If you have been to Vietnam as a tourist, how much did you spend per day there?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Philippines 2025 GDP Growth Lands At 4.4%

January 30, 2026January 29, 2026carlocarrasco

After much anticipation, the full gross domestic product (GDP) growth of the Philippines registered final pace of 4.4% for the whole year of 2025, according to a Manila Standard business news report.

For insight, the 4.4% 2025 GDP growth is even lower than what others anticipated (click here and here). It should be recalled that GDP growth in the 3^rd and 4^th quarters of last year showed clear signs of economic weakness. The said weakness is connected with the flood control corruption scandal that rocked the nation.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Manila Standard. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippine economy expanded 4.4 percent in 2025 as a sharp slowdown in the final three months of the year dragged down the annual performance, government data showed on Thursday.

The gross domestic product grew 3.0 percent in the fourth quarter, marking the weakest quarterly expansion in five years. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said the industrial sector contracted by 0.9 percent during the period, while gross capital formation, a measure of investment, tumbled 10.9 percent.

Wholesale and retail trade, financial activities and public administration remained the primary drivers of growth during the October to December period.

Public administration and defense led the gains with a 7.9 percent increase, followed by financial and insurance activities at 5.6 percent and trade at 4.6 percent.

For the full year, the services sector led the economy with a 5.9-percent expansion, while agriculture, forestry and fishing grew 3.1 percent. The industrial sector recorded a modest 1.5 percent increase for all of 2025.

Consumer spending, which traditionally anchors the Philippine economy, rose 3.8 percent in the fourth quarter and 4.6 percent for the full year. Government spending saw a significant annual jump of 9.1 percent despite the year-end cooling.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economy of the Philippines will be able to bounce back strongly this year and achieve 5% growth later? Do you think the reforms being implemented by the national government will create positive economic results soon? Are you convinced that the flood control corruption scandal turned off a lot of foreign investors?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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IMF Trims Philippines Economic Growth Projections For 2026 And 2027

January 27, 2026January 20, 2026carlocarrasco

As far as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is concerned, issues of corruption and climate disruptions are enough to convince them to project economic growth of the Philippines at a slower pace not just for this year but also for next year, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the business news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

Washington-based multilateral lender International Monetary Fund (IMF) has tweaked downwards its economic growth projections for the Philippines this year and the next, following its more somber outlook for 2025 amid corruption allegations and climate disruptions.

According to the IMF’s updated World Economic Outlook (WEO), Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) is now seen expanding at a slower 5.1 percent, down from its earlier forecast of 5.4 percent—both of which fall short of the country’s already lowered target of at least 5.5 percent.

Despite the cut, the IMF’s forecast remains slightly more optimistic than the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) assumption of a 4.6 percent growth rate, which the central bank has attributed to a loss of confidence tied to governance concerns.

For 2026 and 2027, the IMF also trimmed its growth forecasts to 5.6 percent from a previous 5.8 percent, and to 5.8 percent from 6.1 percent, respectively. The central bank’s projection of 5.4 percent for 2026 stands lower than the IMF’s forecast, while its 6.2 percent forecast for 2027 is higher.

These projections still fall within the revised targets, based on National Socioeconomic Planner Arsenio M. Baliscan’s lower growth assumptions. Baliscan expects growth to clock in at five to six percent in 2026, and 5.5 to 6.5 percent in 2027—both lowered from the earlier goals of six to seven percent.

According to the IMF, the downward adjustment for 2026 and 2027 “reflects the carryover impact from a downward revision in the IMF’s growth forecast for 2025—from 5.4 to 5.1 percent—and a slower pace of capital accumulation.”

It noted that the slashed GDP growth forecast for 2025 reflects the output slump in the third quarter of 2025 “amid recent corruption allegations and climate shocks impacting economic activity in the second half of the year.”

To recall, the Philippine economy expanded by four percent in the third quarter of 2025—the weakest in four and a half years.

Looking ahead, output expansion could accelerate slower than expected mainly due to the potential “escalation of trade restrictions and prolonged uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and disruptive financial market corrections.”

“On the upside, accelerated implementation of structural and governance reforms can boost investment and foreign direct investments (FDI), increase fiscal multipliers and boost potential growth,” the lender said.

What would drive the economy in the medium term is robust private consumption and higher investment, the IMF said, “supported by monetary policy easing and the authorities’ recent policy initiatives to support private investment.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economy of the Philippines can somehow grow faster than what the IMF projected for 2026 and 2027? Do you think foreign investors have been turned off by the flood control corruption scandals?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Philippines Attracted 5.94 Million Foreign Tourists And 543K Overseas Filipinos In 2025

January 22, 2026January 22, 2026carlocarrasco

Finally, the Department of Tourism (DOT) revealed that 5.94 million foreign tourists and over 543,000 returning overseas Filipinos arrived in the Philippines in 2025 resulting in tourism revenue of P694 billion, according to a news release by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

For insight, the Philippines attracted 5,940,975 foreign visitors in 2025 which is 8,375 less compared with 2024’s foreign visitors. Ultimately, the Philippines is still behind many of its Southeast Asian neighbors on international tourism for 2025.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippines recorded 6.4 million foreign visitors and returning overseas Filipinos in 2025, generating an estimated PHP694 billion in tourism receipts, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Tuesday.

Citing Bureau of Immigration data, the DOT said 5,940,975 were foreign visitors, including cruise passengers and categories not fully captured in eTravel.

Another 543,085 were returning overseas Filipinos, bringing total inbound arrivals to 6,484,060.

The DOT said preliminary international visitor spending was estimated at PHP694 billion.

While arrivals remain below pre-pandemic levels in 2019, the DOT said the outcome was achieved despite global and domestic challenges, including travel alerts from key markets and fiscal constraints.

The agency said tourism performance should not be measured by arrivals alone, citing strong domestic travel, value creation and job generation.

Guided by the National Tourism Development Plan 2023–2028, the DOT said it remains focused on improving connectivity, safety, workforce skills and service standards.

For insight as to why the Philippines is having a lot of trouble attracting visitors from abroad, watch the YouTube videos below.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you agree with the Department of Tourism’s claim that tourism performance should not be measured by arrivals alone while the Philippines keeps on falling behind its Southeast Asian neighbors that attracted a lot more foreign tourists? Do you think the DOT should examine closely how satisfied or dissatisfied foreign tourists really are before they leave the country? Are you tired of seeing the Philippines failing to hit its annual international tourist arrival targets?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Philippines Grants 14-Day Visa-Free Entry To Chinese Visitors

January 20, 2026January 17, 2026carlocarrasco

In what is clearly a bid to enhance tourism, investments and trade, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that Chinese nationals are being granted visa-free entry into the Philippines and they are allowed to stay up to fourteen days, according to a GMA Network news report.

The Philippines continues to fail to attract enough foreign tourists and the growth of the national economy clearly slowed down in recent times.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from news report of GMA News. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippines is granting visa-free entry to Chinese nationals starting January 16 in its bid to increase Chinese trade, investments and tourists, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Thursday.

Under the new policy, Chinese nationals may enter the Philippines without the requirement of obtaining a visa for a stay of up to 14 days.

“This is in line with the President’s directive to facilitate trade, investments, and tourism, as well as strengthen people-to-people exchanges between the Philippines and China,” the DFA said in a statement.

Such visa-free entry arrangement will be in effect for one year and will be reviewed accordingly before it expires.

The visa-free privilege will be valid for entry only through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Metro Manila and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in Cebu.

Upon arrival, Chinese nationals need to present a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay, confirmed hotel accommodation/booking, and a return or onward ticket to the next country of destination.

“Chinese nationals traveling to the Philippines strictly for tourism or business purposes may avail of the new visa-free entry privilege,” the DFA said.

However, the DFA said visas (cannot) be extended beyond the allowable 14-day stay and is non-convertible to any other type of Philippine visa category.

For added context about the potential risks that come with attracting Chinese tourists, watch the video below.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think this new policy by the national government is the right move even though there is tension between Communist China and the Philippines? Does this new policy make the Philippines look very desperate to attract money from Chinese visitors? Are you concerned that criminal activities here in the Philippines will get worse as more Chinese tourists enter the country?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Solar Philippines Faces P24 Billion In Penalties Over Failure To Fulfill Renewable Energy Commitments

January 18, 2026January 17, 2026carlocarrasco

Remember back in 2024 when the government canceled multiple contracts it previously awarded to Solar Philippines as a result of its failure to fulfill the energy commitments? Solar Philippines is back in the spotlight and it is facing P24 billion in penalties over terminated contracts and the Department of Energy (DOE) revealed a lot about the company, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

The government terminated more than 160 renewable energy service contracts which represent a combined potential capacity of 17,904.02 megawatts (MW). Of that amount, Solar Philippines accounted for about 64% of the terminated solar projects as announced by the DOE Secretary Sharon Garin.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from news report of BusinessWorld. Some parts in boldface…

SOLAR PHILIPPINES Power Project Holdings, Inc. is facing P24 billion in fines for its failure to deliver nearly 12,000 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy (RE) over the last two years, according to the Department of Energy (DoE).

“Out of the 17,904 MW of terminated contracts for 2025 and 2024… Solar Philippines would be 11,427 MW. That’s more or less equivalent to 64% of the terminated contracts,” Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said in a press chat on Tuesday.

Ms. Garin said the DoE terminated 33 service contracts held by Solar Philippines, a company founded by businessman-turned-politician Rep. Leandro L. Leviste, due to project delays. These service contracts could have supplied 11,427.83 MW of capacity to the grid.

The DoE said it seeks to collect around P24 billion in penalties from Solar Philippines which covers contractual obligations, performance bonds and financial obligations arising from the revoked contracts.

“We have consistently sent notices even show-cause orders request for them to renew their bonds. We have not received any response from the company,” she said.

Sought for comment, Mr. Leviste has yet to respond as of press time.

The DoE said it has recorded nearly 18,000 MW worth of potential capacity from 163 terminated and relinquished service contracts Ms. Garin said that 70 contracts were terminated and relinquished in 2024 and 93 contacts in 2025.

These terminated and relinquished contracts were composed of hydro, solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass that were awarded after application and green energy auctions (GEAs).

“This could have covered actually the annual increase of our electricity demand in the country. Unfortunately, we had to cancel these contracts. They’re not complying with the requirements and in accordance with their GEA contract. This is why we had to cancel them because they really wouldn’t move,” Ms. Garin said.

Under the revised omnibus guidelines governing the award and administration of RE contracts issued in 2024, the Renewable Energy Management Bureau can recommend termination of the contract if the RE developer failed to secure and submit needed requirements.

The RE developer has 30 calendar days to explain in writing why its contract should not be terminated. The developer whose RE contract was terminated may request for reconsideration.

Ms. Garin said that the revoked contracts will be open to other developers who are interested to apply or through the open and competitive selection process (OCSP).

OCSP allows the DoE to award RE contracts in pre-determined areas through competitive bidding. These are locations identified as having high potential for RE development, including hydro, geothermal, and wind resources.

Ms. Garin said that terminating contracts is not to “scare off investors” but to make sure “we have the right investors” in the Philippines.

“What we want are really legitimate investors that have the financial, technical, and legal capacity to embark on a contract and an energy project in the Philippines. This is why we are cleaning it up,” Ms. Garin said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the renewable energy sector of the Philippines really lacks legitimate investors who actually have the financial, technical, and legal capacity to embark on contracts of energy projects? Are you surprised that Solar Philippines failed to fulfill the energy commitments? If you are an investor, do you trust Solar Philippines?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Business Group Proposes New Blueprint To Solve Bottlenecks of Tourism In The Philippines

January 16, 2026January 11, 2026carlocarrasco

Things are clearly not looking good for the Philippines economically and also on international tourism. The Philippines was left behind by many of its Southeast Asian neighbors even as the region attracted more foreign tourists in 2025. Vietnam attracted more than 21 million foreign tourists last year and they are clearly benefiting from the ongoing tourism boom. That said, it is not surprising to see a local business group or federation make noise and urge the government to implement comprehensive reforms to solve the many problems of the tourism industry of the Philippines which the Manila Bulletin recently reported.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) is sounding the alarm on the Philippines’ lagging tourism sector, urging the government to enact sweeping reforms as international arrival figures fall behind regional competitors.

In a statement on Sunday, Jan. 11, FFCCCII President Victor Lim described the current state of the industry as a “pivotal” moment, arguing that structural changes are now an urgent economic necessity.

While neighboring nations in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are reporting a robust post-pandemic recovery, the Philippines is struggling to regain its footing.

“We, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), urge immediate decisive and comprehensive tourism reforms,” Lim said.

Data from the first 11 months of 2025 showed that the Philippines recorded 5.24 million international arrivals, a 2.2 percent decrease from the same period a year earlier.

The end-November figure also remained 37 percent below the benchmark levels seen in 2019, before the pandemic disrupted global travel.

Lim said the decline posed a direct threat to the broader economy, noting that tourism is a critical engine of inclusive growth. The sector is a primary employer and a lifeline for micro, small, and medium enterprises across the archipelago.

The federation identified three systemic hurdles: a “hassle factor” caused by congested airports and poor digital connectivity, uncompetitive visa policies that act as a deterrent compared to the streamlined entry points of regional peers, and a fragmented marketing strategy that fails to capitalize on the country’s cultural heritage.

To reverse the trend, the FFCCCII proposed a “Blueprint for Immediate Reform.” The plan calls for an “ASEAN-competitive” visa regime and a “connectivity revolution” to modernize primary gateways and facilitate easier travel between islands.

Lim also cited the need to pivot promotional efforts toward “The Philippine Experience,” moving beyond traditional sightseeing to highlight the nation’s history and hospitality.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the FFCCCII is correct about the current state of Philippine tourism? Do you find the FFCCCII’s proposal sensible and believable? Do you think the Department of Tourism (DOT) should take the FFCCCII’s proposal very seriously? Do you thinking it is inevitable that other business chambers from around the Philippines will push for tourism industry reforms?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Nomura Says Philippine Economic Growth May Fall Below 4% In The Near Term

January 15, 2026January 9, 2026carlocarrasco

By pointing to the effects of the flood control corruption scandal as well as other factors, Nomura Global Markets Research stated that the economic growth of the Philippines may fall below 4% in the near term, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from business report of BusinessWorld. Some parts in boldface…

PHILIPPINE economic growth may fall below 4% in the near term as the billion‑peso flood control scandal drags on, affecting government spending and dampening consumption and sentiment, Nomura Global Markets Research said.

“I think going forward, these spillover effects (from the graft scandal) will also expand,” Nomura Chief Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economist Euben Paracuelles told Money Talks with Cathy Yang on One News on Thursday.

The scandal, which curbed state spending last year, is expected to dampen household consumption and business investment amid weaker sentiment, he added.

“If the drag is now sort of becoming more broad-based, not just the drop in government spending, you’ll see growth coming potentially below 4%, at least in the near term,” he said.

Nomura now expects the gross domestic product (GDP) to expand by 5.3% in 2026 from 5.6% previously. This is still within the government’s recently revised 5-6% target this year.

Economy Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan earlier said growth targets were lowered through 2027, after GDP growth likely slowed to 4.8-5% in 2025 amid the flood control controversy.

The government cut its 2026 projection to 5-6% and to 5.5-6.5% for 2027 from the earlier 6-7% range. The 2028 target was retained at 6-7%.

Mr. Paracuelles anticipates that the government will roll out catch-up spending plans, possibly in the second half of the year.

Meanwhile, the Philippines may earn a credit rating upgrade if the government manages to resolve the flood control corruption issue within a year, Mr. Paracuelles said.

“The key for me is 12 months from here, when they need to decide on whether they need to upgrade the Philippines, I think it’s still quite uncertain,” he said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economic growth of the Philippines is indeed slowing down right now? Would you be surprised to see the nation’s economic growth reach less than 4%? Do you think the officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is working sufficiently to restore its credibility?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Philippines Overall 2025 Inflation Rate Lands At 1.7%

January 13, 2026January 6, 2026carlocarrasco

Following the 1.8% inflation rate for December 2025, the Philippines’ overall inflation rate for the entire year landed at 1.7%, according to a business news report by GMA Network.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the business report of GMA News. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippines ended 2025 with a year-to-date average inflation settling well within the government’s target, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Tuesday.

At a press conference, National Statistician and PSA chief Claire Dennis Mapa said the overall inflation —which measures the rate of increase in the prices of goods and services— clocked in at 1.8% in December 2025

This was faster than the 1.5% rate posted in November 2025.

December’s inflation print brought the 12-month 2025 national average to 1.7%, which stood well within the administration’s comfortable ceiling of 2% to 4%.

The 2025 average inflation was slower than 2024’s average rate of 3.2%. This was also the slowest annual average inflation rate since 2016 when the overall year-to-date inflation rate stood at 1.3%.

‘Resilient’ – In a statement, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said, “Despite global headwinds and domestic challenges, the Philippine economy has remained resilient against inflationary pressures due to the government’s timely and targeted interventions.”

“Building on this momentum, the government will continue to pursue prudent fiscal and monetary coordination and advance structural reforms to sustain the downward inflation trend and support inclusive growth in 2026 and beyond,” said Balisacan.

The PSA reported that the downtrend seen in 2025’s annual average inflation rate was primarily due to the lower increase in the heavily weighted food and non-alcoholic beverages index, with a rate of 1.2% from 4.4% in 2024.

Meanwhile, the uptick in December alone was attributed to the impact of Typhoon Uwan, which disrupted food production as food inflation—which tracks the price movements of food items in a “basket” commonly purchased by households—accelerated to 1.2% from -0.3% in November.

This was due to the faster increase in vegetable inflation to 11.6% from 4% to 11.6 percent on the back of increases in onions at 79% from 48.2%, eggplants at 29.4% from –6.5%, and pumpkins at 20.1% from 8.8%.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the inflation rate of the Philippines will remain below 2% per month over the next six months?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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