BUSINESS

CEOs stay bullish as risks mount

Mico Virata · Sep 7, 2026, 11:28 PM

PWC Philippines principal Dallas Dollen, PwC Philippines chairperson and senior partner Roderick Danao and Management Association of the Philippines president Donald Lim discuss the findings of the 2026 Philippine CEO Survey during its media launch in Makati City. — Photograph by Mico Virata for DAILY TRIBUNE.

Philippine CEOs remain confident about business growth despite mounting geopolitical, regulatory and technology risks, with companies putting more money into artificial intelligence, innovation and their workforce.

The 2026 Philippine CEO Survey undertaken by Isla Lipana & Co./PwC Philippines and the Management Association of the Philippines found that 83 percent of 176 CEOs are confident about their industries’ prospects over the next 12 months, while 81 percent expect revenue growth. Over three years, confidence rises to 91 percent.

Some 67 percent of respondents expect the Philippine economy to grow 3 to 4.5 percent this year.

Resilience and confidence of CEOs

“Despite persistent headwinds and various inflection points, it’s encouraging to see the resilience and confidence of Philippine CEOs,” said Roderick Danao, chairman and senior partner of Isla Lipana & Co./PwC Philippines.

Still, according to the survey, CEOs remain highly concerned about regulatory uncertainty and climate change, both at 93 percent, followed by geopolitical conflict at 92 percent.

Technology disruption was cited as cause for worry by 85 percent of the survey respondents, while 84 percent said they were concerned about supply chain constraints and skills shortages.

Innovation is a major business priority, with 92 percent calling it critical to their strategies. More than eight in 10 have incorporated AI into their business strategies, up from 68 percent in 2025, while 79 percent have begun implementing AI initiatives.

“AI may be the catalyst, but people will ultimately determine its impact. Technology alone won’t transform a business,” said Mary Jade Roxas-Divinagracia, Deals and Corporate Finance managing partner at Isla Lipana & Co./PwC Philippines.

CEOs are also eyeing deeper ASEAN integration, particularly in energy and the digital economy, as a way to strengthen long-term growth.

Management Association of the Philippines president Donald Lim said business leaders must remain adaptable as uncertainty persists.