Last quarter scenarios
In the Philippines, the rising cost of living remains the public’s foremost concern, closely followed by corruption.
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Daily Tribune
In the Philippines, the rising cost of living remains the public’s foremost concern, closely followed by corruption.
A major international event at the beginning of this year was the United States military strike in Venezuela on 3 January. However, the most consequential global development was the US and Israel war with Iran which began on 28 February and has had far-reaching implications.
The Middle East conflict, the continuing war in Ukraine, global trade tensions and tariff policies, energy market volatility, supply chain disruptions, rising global debt, inflation, among other negative events, have created an unstable global environment.
Developments in technology, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), have fueled growth in certain areas, but with a cautious look on how AI may affect us in the future.
In the Philippines, the rising cost of living remains the public’s foremost concern, closely followed by corruption. The impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte are ongoing, the first Bangsamoro Parliament Elections were held last September, and the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections originally scheduled for November have been moved to November 2028.
The country was officially classified as an upper middle-income economy by the World Bank in July. However, the national government debt reached a high of P19.6 trillion in August and inflation soared to 7.2 percent in September.
The Asian Development Bank has lowered its growth forecast for the Philippines from 3.8 percent to 3.3 percent, while S&P Global Ratings has reduced its forecast from 4.1 percent to 2.9 percent.
On national security, China’s incursions in the West Philippine Sea continue. Worse, some Chinese scholars are even making a claim on Batanes.
On the bright side, the Philippines recorded its strongest performance in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) since it first participated in 2018. And Filipinos around the world are united in pride over Alex Eala, a role model not only in sports, but in character, discipline and perseverance.
As we begin the last quarter of the year, we look at probable global and domestic scenarios and possible responses to them.
The US midterm elections will be held next month. Regardless of which party ultimately controls the US Senate and House of Representatives, the Philippines is likely to remain a valued partner because of its strategic importance, both in terms of the large Filipino community in the US and the broader geopolitical competition between the United States and China.
As for the crisis in the Middle East, a swift resolution appears unlikely. Thus, the Philippines must continue to strengthen its energy sector, both in conventional and renewable sources, while enhancing supply chain resilience.
The conduct and outcome of the impeachment proceedings is probably the most crucial political event for the country in this last quarter. The issue extends beyond the eventual verdict itself. It is how the evidence, particularly on Article II–Unexplained Wealth and Failure to Disclose Assets, is communicated to and perceived by the public. History has shown the powerful role of public perception in shaping political outcomes.
The issues with China in the West Philippine Sea and Batanes will not only persist but more likely intensify. The country must continue defending its sovereignty and prepare for all eventualities.
The economy should improve in the last quarter due to increased government disbursements from the remaining budget for 2026, OFW remittances, and Christmas season spending.
It will be a very busy last quarter.
The defense of Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday disputed the prosecution’s attribution of more than P191.6…
Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste has been ordered arrested by the Makati City Regional Trial Court (RTC) for…
The Commission on Audit (CoA) has “affirmed with finality” its P73.28-million disallowance of confidential funds spent…
Car company Tesla has rolled out its autonomous taxi in Austin, Texas, USA.