Coronavirus Lockdown: Bring Back Debt to Pre-Pandemic Levels, Don't be Afraid, and More!

More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government. 

A hydropower project delayed by the pandemic is now back on the table. 

https://business.inquirer.net/572798/p64-b-hydropower-project-to-rise-in-benguet

Filipino-Korean firm Coheco Badeo Corp. is still pursuing its plan to build a P64.3-billion pumped-storage hydropower project in Benguet — a project that was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, the company has requested the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for public scoping for its 500-megawatt Kibungan Badeo pumped-storage hydroelectric power project.

Based on the document submitted to the agency, Coheo Badeo said the proposed facility—which secured a service contract in 2016—would be located in Barangay Badeo, beside the Amburayan River in Kibungan.

It would feature upper and lower dams, an underground powerhouse, an underground pressure shaft and a penstock.

Once up and running, the firm said the project would provide additional electricity to the Luzon grid.

With a storage facility, electricity can be stored and only released to the grid when the demand surges.

“Coheco Badeo Corp. supports the government’s thrust for clean energy and promotion of renewable energy and is aggressively developing a portfolio of hydroelectric power plants,” it said.

“The pumped storage project will provide not only electricity but also a source of water that may be accessed during heavily lean months due to climate change,” the group added.

The company hopes to complete the project by 2031.

The proposed facility was also one of the winners in the government’s green energy auction program (GEAP) round three.

GEAP is an initiative meant to encourage more investments in the renewable energy space by providing fixed rates to emerging clean power sources.

The current administration is targeting to increase the contribution of renewable energy to the power generation mix to 35 percent by 2030 from the current 22 percent. 

This project was contracted back in 2016. Why the decades long delay? What was happening before the pandemic and why wasn't it fast tracked once the pandemic officially ended four years ago?

During the pandemic there was a sharp decline in travel tax revenue. Now the House says it is imperative to review how these funds are being used. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2179022/house-to-look-into-how-travel-tax-funds-are-spent-lawmaker

The House of Representatives is set to review how travel tax collections averaging about P4 billion to P5 billion annually have been spent, amid questions on whether the funds reached areas most in need of tourism development.

House tourism committee vice chair and Palawan Rep. Gil Acosta said lawmakers should examine both pre-pandemic and post-pandemic use of the revenues to determine whether these were properly allocated and resulted in tangible improvements for the tourism industry.

During a press conference, Acosta said the travel tax proceeds are allocated among the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, the Commission on Higher Education, and the cultural sector.

He noted a sharp decline in collections from 2020 to 2023 due to pandemic-related travel restrictions, making it more important to reassess how funds were used in earlier years and what impact they had on tourism development.

“These are issues that Congress needs to look into closely,” Acosta said.

While acknowledging efforts by the Department of Tourism, Acosta said government-built tourism facilities remain limited in provinces heavily promoted as major destinations.

In Palawan, which is often cited as one of the country’s premier island destinations, Acosta said there are only two government-built tourism comfort room facilities—one in the north and one in the south of the province.

This gap between Palawan’s global reputation and the actual state of its infrastructure, he said, underscored the need to revisit how travel tax revenues are allocated.

Acosta said the tourism committee plans to take up these concerns as part of broader discussions on whether the decades-old travel tax should be reformed or scrapped.

Several measures are pending before the committee, including House Bill No. 7443 filed by House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, which seeks to abolish the travel tax imposed under Presidential Decree No. 1183 and related provisions of the Tourism Act of 2009.

Under the bill, the travel tax—currently set at P2,700 for first-class passengers and P1,620 for economy travelers—would be repealed.

Acosta said the levy has become one of the factors driving up the cost of travel in the Philippines, putting the country at a disadvantage compared with its Southeast Asian neighbors.

“Among Asean countries, we’re basically the only one left with an outgoing travel tax,” he said. “It adds to the cost. It may not be the main reason tourism numbers are low, but it is definitely one of the causes.”

The Palawan lawmaker said the policy, introduced in 1977, no longer reflects present-day realities, particularly as travel has become more accessible and, in many cases, work-related rather than a luxury.

He also said high travel costs affect domestic tourism, with airfare abroad sometimes cheaper than flights to local destinations. 

All that money and not enough proper infrastructure to accommodate tourists. The pandemic exposed weaknesses because revenue dried up and forced a closer look at past spending. Could it be another flood scandal all over again?

A Bacolod chef has urged others to follow their dreams.

https://tribune.net.ph/2026/02/06/dont-be-afraid-young-bacolod-chef-urges-fellow-dreamers

Every start of the year, people revisit and redraft their new year’s resolutions, eager to fulfill what they have always dreamt of with a renewed optimism to start anew.

Every year, CJ Jimenez is among those who have kept putting off what’s in their bucket lists — because, as he admitted, he was scared. 

Born and raised in Bacolod, CJ took up Hospitality Management (HM) at University of St. La Salle in Bacolod.

“While HM is into hotels, I’m more inclined towards cooking, culinary,” he shared in an exclusive interview with DAILY TRIBUNE.

“As a hobby, I pursued culinary, just cooking at home, cooking for the family.”

Like many home cooks, CJ’s dream was to open his own restaurant. But because he was scared to start — probably of risks, among other things — he was unable to open his own business until November 2019 — just before the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I’ve been cooking non-professionally since high school… It just kind of blossomed into a business,” he recalled.

Inspired by the Philippines’ colonizers, Spanish, Americans and Japanese, CJ founded the food kiosk brand Vaca Japonesa, Spanish words that literally mean “Japanese Beef.” The Spanish influence is mirrored by chorizos and tapas in the menu; the Japanese comes in the form of Yakiniku; while the American inspiration shines through the steaks and burgers.

Using Wagyu beef from Mindanao, CJ gives traditional Negrense dishes like Kansi and chorizo a premium restaurant flair.

“Because I’ve been afraid that’s why it took a while for me to put up this business. But if I were braver back then, maybe I already have a restaurant, maybe a franchise or a large conglomerate of restaurants,” he fretted.

It’s never too late though for CJ — because his business now has two branches in Bacolod, and from his hometown, his recipes have traveled far and wide and were recently even featured in his very own booth at the recent Negros Fair in SM Aura, Taguig City.

Imagine opening your dream restaurant and then four months later the economy is shut down. He seems to be doing better now though. 

The Philippine Institute for Development Studies said restoring the Philippines’ debt to pre-pandemic levels through continued fiscal consolidation should remain a key policy priority for the government to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability and economic stability.

https://malaya.com.ph/business/think-tank-pids-urges-ph-govt-bring-debt-back-to-pre-pandemic-levels/

A state-funded think tank said restoring the Philippines’ debt to pre-pandemic levels through continued fiscal consolidation should remain a key policy priority for the government to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability and economic stability.

The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) made the recommendation in a study, citing the need for a credible medium- to long-term plan to anchor market confidence.

Backing its premise, the paper provided historical data showing the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio climbed to 60.5 percent in 2021 from 39.6 percent in 2019 as the government ramped up spending to cushion the economy from the COVID-19 shock. The surge in borrowing also pushed the budget deficit to 7.5 percent of GDP in 2020 from 3.4 percent in 2019, it said.

By the end of 2022, the debt ratio had risen further to 60.9 percent, slightly breaching the government’s indicative 60 percent ceiling, it said.

As of end-2025, debt-to-GDP stood at 63.2 percent, while the deficit-to-GDP ratio was 5.4 percent in the third quarter of 2025, based on data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

PIDS economists Margarita Debuque-Gonzales, Charlotte Justine Diokno-Sicat, John Paul Corpus, Robert Hector Palomar, Mark Gerald Ruiz, and Ramona Malira Milar—the study’s authors—stressed, however, that the current debt episode differs materially from the crises of the 1980s.

They noted that today’s liabilities were not triggered by excessive foreign borrowing combined with sharp interest-rate shocks, which previously caused debt servicing costs to spiral.

Instead, the share of foreign-currency debt has been steadily declining, while the government has shifted toward domestic borrowing, longer maturities, and more balanced issuance.

These changes, they said, have reduced structural risks in the public debt portfolio.

The authors also pointed out that pandemic-era debt did not stem from so-called “hidden deficits” tied to failing state-owned firms, unlike in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when losses from public enterprises were eventually absorbed by the national government.

They cited inherited obligations from the Marcos era, including liabilities linked to the former Central Bank, as well as restructuring at institutions such as the Development Bank of the Philippines, the Philippine National Bank, and the National Power Corporation.

Improved finances at government corporations and financial institutions, supported in part by privatization, have since helped ease debt-related vulnerabilities, they added.

While the country’s current debt profile is “less worrisome” than in past crises, the authors cautioned against rushing to restore pre-COVID debt ratios.

They argued that aggressive fiscal tightening could undermine recovery efforts, particularly as the government continues to address pandemic scarring and support economic normalization.

“Given the need to spend to prevent possible scarring from the pandemic and provide the economy with time and room to recover from the pandemic crisis, it may not be feasible to return immediately to pre-COVID-19 debt ratios,” they said.

Instead, they called for a credible medium- to long-term fiscal consolidation framework to guide expectations and reinforce confidence.

“This underscores the need for a sound medium- to long-term fiscal consolidation plan to anchor sentiments,” they added.

However, there is no rush due to the need "to prevent possible scarring from the pandemic and provide the economy with time and room to recover from the pandemic crisis." Essentially it means the negative economic effects of the lockdowns will continue into the foreseeable future. 

Coronavirus Lockdown: Seafarer's Career, GDP Growth Sinks, and More!

More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government. 

The state-run Philippine Institute for Development Studies says the Philippine pandemic recovery remains uneven as lingering scars from the 2020 health crisis continue to drag on corporate profits and employment.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/01/26/philippines-face-pandemic-scars-as-corporate-profits-jobs-languish

The Philippine pandemic recovery remains uneven as lingering scars from the 2020 health crisis continue to drag on corporate profits and employment, according to a study by the state-run Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

In a Jan. 20 discussion paper titled “Liquidity amid Lockdowns: Corporate Performance in the Philippines during the Global Pandemic,” researchers from PIDS highlighted that the health crisis triggered an unprecedented economic contraction—the steepest in Southeast Asia—after strict lockdowns beginning in March 2020 disrupted business activity. The measures led to revenue losses, closures, and widespread layoffs.

The report, authored by Marianne J. Rodriguez, John Paolo R. Rivera, Ivan Cenon V. Bernardo, Ramona Maria L. Miral, and Mark Gerald C. Ruiz, found that mandatory business closures significantly hurt corporate revenues. Firms that experienced full-year shutdowns saw annual income drop by about 65 percent, or roughly 5.4 percent for every month of closure.

PIDS said that liquidity-constrained firms experienced even larger declines, indicating that limited cash reserves reduced their ability to withstand prolonged closures.

While many firms eventually resumed operations, PIDS noted that revenues were often insufficient to justify rehiring or expanding workforces, with employment bearing much of the adjustment.

The think tank suggested this could reflect two scenarios: firms may have cut jobs to protect profit margins, or employment reductions may represent a post-pandemic adjustment to optimal workforce levels due to sectoral shifts and new business models that emerged during the crisis.

The study highlighted that non-tradable and non-essential firms suffered the sharpest declines in revenue, profits, and overall financial health, illustrating the uneven impact of lockdowns and demand shocks across sectors.

To mitigate such effects, PIDS stressed the importance of targeted, sector-specific support during crises. Firms in non-tradable, non-essential sectors—hardest hit by mobility and operational restrictions—require tailored liquidity assistance, wage support, or conditional grants rather than blanket interventions that primarily benefit less-affected firms.

Improving credit access for financially constrained firms was another key recommendation. PIDS suggested measures such as targeted loan moratoria, tax relief, lower policy rates, emergency lending facilities, and expanded collateral frameworks. Broader access to working capital and supplier financing can also help bridge liquidity gaps during future downturns.

Job losses hit mostly non-tradable sectors, while tradable firms raised compensation. PIDS stressed the need for targeted safety nets, labor mobility, reskilling, and digitalization to help firms weather future shocks.

As for sector and firm type, PIDS called on financial firms to ensure continued intermediation and liquidity provision during crises, while urging non-financial firms to prioritize boosting liquidity, adopting digital solutions, and taking advantage of tax deferrals.

Financially constrained firms were encouraged to expand access to collateral-free credit, supplier financing, and emergency grants. For financially unconstrained firms, PIDS recommended incentives for reinvestment in labor and innovation, such as matching grants or retooling subsidies.

The study offered sector-specific guidance: tradable firms should focus on facilitating trade and export incentives while ensuring logistics continuity, whereas non-tradable firms should aim to stimulate local demand through consumption incentives and mobility-safe business models.

Ultimately, PIDS concluded that a segmented, evidence-based approach can better align fiscal policies, financial regulation, and central banking measures, promoting a more inclusive and resilient recovery. This ensures that macroeconomic stability does not come at the expense of smaller firms, allowing both large companies and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to access tailored support for growth.

Well, if that sounds bad take a look at the recent GDP report for the 4th quarter of 2025. GDP has sunk to a post-pandemic low. 

https://www.philstar.com/business/2026/01/29/2504334/philippine-gdp-growth-sinks-post-pandemic-low-q4-2025-due-corruption-scandal

The Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) hit a record low of 3.0% in the fourth quarter of 2025—its lowest quarterly growth since 2009, excluding the pandemic years.

This brings the country’s annual GDP growth to 4.4%, well below the government’s target of 5.5% to 6.5%.

While analysts had already predicted that the Philippines would fail to meet its GDP target, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan admitted that the economic slump was still sharper than expected.

Balisacan admitted that the massive corruption scam in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) had affected business and consumer confidence.

“While these developments weighed on short-term growth, the Marcos Administration emphasizes that the investigations into the flood control corruption controversy had to be undertaken,” Balisacan said in a press conference.

“The resulting measures and governance reforms are necessary to strengthen accountability, improve project quality, ensure better value for scarce public resources, and build our capacity for faster and more sustainable growth in the years ahead,” he added.

Other factors that further weighed down the country’s economy were the adverse effects of natural hazards, as well as global uncertainties.

The industry sector suffered a sharp decline in the fourth quarter of 2025, shrinking to -0.9%, bringing the annual growth rate to 1.5%.

Balisacan again attributed this to the decrease in construction projects. Construction activity in the country slowed following the DPWH scandal, with Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon halting locally funded projects after the flood control scam.

Despite the sizable decline, Balisacan emphasized that a slowed economy is still preferable to allowing corruption to persist in the name of short bursts of growth. Reforms, he said, are key to sustainable and inclusive growth.

“We need to regain trust as quickly as possible,” Balisacan said, adding that legislative proposals such as an Anti-Political Dynasty measure, the Party-List System Reform Act, and others would help restore public confidence.

Balisacan said that 2026 must be the rally point, expressing optimism that Philippine GDP growth may see a turnaround as early as the second quarter of 2026.

The decrease in construction projects?  They are doing their hardest to blame all the recent losses on the flood control corruption scandal. It may be true but the corruption has been ongoing for years.  So, how is that possible?  Because everyone has finally acknowledged it? 

One seafarer had his life upended by the pandemic. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/01/31/how-the-pandemic-changed-a-seafarers-career

It was in the middle of May 2020 when, out of the blue, the ship that was a "home" to a Filipino seafarer became a fearful and uncomfortable ground. A place where a workday passes by shifted to a setting of long nights.

The Covid-19 pandemic was declared, and around the world, countries closed their borders. For seafarers like Joelex Segui, 35, from Camarines Sur, it meant that work stopped. And going home became a series of mandatory quarantine periods before he would be allowed entry into a country, his hometown, and finally, into his own barangay.

Working on a ship made him used to having an ample supply of food and necessities, but when he was under quarantine, food security did not bring him comfort, as the fear of contracting the virus while under isolation would constantly kick in.

What used to be a joyful work became an agonizing wait. The laughter shared with his fellow-crewmen slowly died down, only to be replaced by deafening silence, each locked in troubling worry for loved ones back home.

 “It was dull, sad, and frightening. While cases of Covid-19 continued to rise, we were away from our families. We want to get back home immediately because we were worried for our families,” Segui said.

After two months of quarantine, and while preparing to disembark in July 2020, he was finally heading home with thoughts of being able to see his then two-year-old daughter.

But his most-awaited reunion with his daughter had to wait for more weeks as he had to undergo multiple quarantines from a hotel, to a barangay facility, to a local government facility after coming home from Malaysia—a lengthy process every overseas Filipino had to go through during those times.

First, he had to stay for eight days in a hotel in Manila for the mandatory quarantine before finally being sent back to his hometown after testing negative for the disease. But the expected merry-making with his family upon arriving home never happened, as he had to stay for yet another quarantine in their barangay facility.

Unending isolation

Unlike in the ship, in hotels in Malaysia and Manila, quarantine in their village was uncomfortable.

He opted to stay alone in a nipa hut near the quarantine buildings in hopes that it would be a little more comfortable. His father had to fix the damaged parts of the nipa hut so that when it rains, it won’t drip inside.

His family made sure to prepare what he needed, handed over his food through the door, and gave him comfort from a distance.

Everything was well until his ninth day in the nipa hut. He was suddenly having a hard time breathing. It was also on that same day that one of his colleagues, with whom he had close contact before leaving Manila, tested positive for the disease. 

“It was frightening, anxious. I saw my daughter every day. I thought, we’re almost there. I can finally hug you after almost 12 months. But what if I’m also infected?” Segui said.

On his 10th day of quarantine in the nipa hut, he was transferred to their local government facility located three kilometers away from their home, taking him away from his family once again. 

He had to be isolated along with 13 other patients within the site. All have tested positive for the disease.

The waiting time continued. It was only two weeks later that his swab test result came in, and he tested negative for the disease.

Farewell seafaring

Five years later, this memory remains vivid for Segui. He survived quarantine and the dreaded pandemic. After a long journey back home — 90 days of being in quarantine—he reunited with his family, and even the sea when restrictions finally eased.

But his return to seafaring post-pandemic actually became his closure to his years of being a seafarer.

"After the pandemic, things were okay. I was able to go back on board once. But after that, I didn't go back because I realized many things," Segui shared.

The anxiety and fear that took over during the pandemic were pivotal to his decision to end his career.

"It was scary, what if it happened again? There were thoughts like that. Then my wife and I agreed that I would no longer work on ships. I just stayed here in the Philippines, and I'm now based here," Segui revealed.

He is currently working as a virtual assistant (VA). He recognized that after seafaring, it was difficult to shift into another job.

"That’s what I do now because I still need a job. What’s difficult here is that if you’re a seafarer, it’s hard to get another job—unless you have skills like being a VA or similar," he said.

'You always have to be ahead'

If there's one thing that the pandemic left him with, it was to be prepared for anything that could happen, stressing the need to have plans so he can be ahead of any eventuality.

He realized that relying on the government to recover from a past setback can be difficult.

"Lesson? Maybe you should have insurance. Or you should be ready for anything that could happen. You always need to be ahead," Segui said.

"You have to have plans, because it’s hard if you rely on the government to help you recover from a past setback," he stressed.

The strict pandemic quarantines kept him isolated for 90 days!  90 days!! And instead of keeping him safe it traumatized the poor man and caused him to quit being a seafarer and work as a virtual assistant. 

Coronavirus Lockdown: Filipino Migrants, Credit Card Industry, and More!

More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government. 

Filipino migration is gradually returning to pre-pandemic levels. 

https://pia.gov.ph/news/filipino-migration-bouncing-back-to-pre-pandemic-level-cfo/

The migration level of Filipinos is gradually bouncing back to pre-pandemic benchmark, with North America as the top destination for Filipino permanent and long-term migrants worldwide.

Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO) Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II said that before the COVID-19 pandemic, migration trends for permanent and long-term settlement were already showing a slight decline. Travel restrictions during the health crisis brought cross-border movement to a standstill, but 2025 data shows migration is bouncing back.

The CFO places the total number of overseas Filipinos around the world at 10.7 million. The United States tops the list of destinations for Filipino permanent migrants. It hosts an estimated 4.8 to 5.1 million Filipinos who have settled abroad or acquired US citizenship, Ang reported in a recent kapihan forum in Baguio City.

Canada is another major host country.

Australia continues to see a growing number of Filipino migrants choosing it as their new home, he said.

Of the 10.7 million migrant Filipinos, more than half fall under the CFO’s mandate of serving permanent and long-term migrants. Temporary overseas Filipino workers make up about 30 percent of the overseas Filipino community.

“Data tends to fluctuate as it is difficult to track,” Ang said, citing challenges in maintaining comprehensive records of Filipinos abroad, especially those born overseas or who have acquired foreign citizenship.

Economic opportunities remain the primary driving force for migration. Filipinos abroad never turn their back on the Philippines. They keep sending remittances, investing, and donating during calamities, Ang said.

He added that it is the role of the CFO to help overseas Filipinos, including next-generation migrants seeking to discover their roots, find ways to contribute to national development as strategic partners.

Ang shared that the first wave of Filipino migrants is now entering retirement age, and many are reaching out to the CFO to explore programs and opportunities for returning to the Philippines.

“A lot of our migrants want to come back, especially those reaching retirement age,” Ang said. He shared the story of an uncle who returned from the US and enjoyed a higher quality of life with full-time household help, a nurse, and a driver. With the stronger purchasing power of their foreign pensions, they can have a more comfortable and affordable life in the country.

Popular retirement spots include Dumaguete, Davao, and Baguio. Ang shared that Baguio is drawing both Filipinos and foreign retirees, especially Koreans, due to its cool climate.

Ang explained that while many are attracted by family ties and lower costs, access to quality healthcare and benefits portability are key challenges that the CFO is working to address.

Great more workers are leaving the nation. That will surely help the economy. Also note that migrant workers are coming back home to live on pensions based on foreign currency which gives them stronger purchasing power. That is good for them but bad for the host country which they are leaching. 

The BSP set caps on interest rates during the pandemic. The local credit card industry is calling for them to be scrapped. 

https://business.inquirer.net/569931/credit-card-industry-renews-call-to-scrap-caps-on-interest-rates-fees

The local credit card industry is renewing its push to persuade regulators to lift caps on fees and interest rates, saying controls imposed during the pandemic are no longer needed as the economy normalizes.

Alex Ilagan, executive director of the Credit Card Association of the Philippines (CCAP), said the group was awaiting a decision from the Monetary Board, the highest policy-making body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), on a position paper submitted last year.

The proposal calls for the removal of pandemic-era cap on finance charges, contending that pricing should be set by market forces rather than regulation.

“We feel that the market will eventually determine what’s the best rate,” Ilagan told reporters. “In the past, it’s always been market-driven because there will be competition. So, some banks will lower theirs, some will increase.”

The Monetary Board last addressed the issue in August 2023, when it opted to retain existing ceilings on credit card transactions. The limits were imposed by the central bank as a temporary relief measure during the COVID-19 pandemic to ease the financial burden on consumers and preserve access to affordable credit.

Under the rules, interest or finance charges on unpaid credit card balances are capped at 3 percent a month, or 36 percent annually, while monthly add-on rates on installment loans are limited to 1 percent. Processing fees on credit card cash advances, meanwhile, are capped at P200 per transaction.

At the time, BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. said the decision was intended to strike a balance between maintaining steady borrowing costs for consumers and ensuring the long-term viability of banks and credit card issuers.

But Ilagan said the industry believes those limits have outlived their purpose. “We feel that a cap is unnecessary at this point,” he said. “There’s no more pandemic.”

Credit card receivables in the Philippine banking system reached P1.1 trillion pesos as of September 2025, according to latest central bank data, up 29 percent from a year earlier.

Of that total, P52.7 billion were classified as nonperforming—debts unpaid for at least 90 days and at risk of default—accounting for 4.82 percent of total credit card receivables and 9.45 percent of the banking sector’s nonperforming loans.

A separate survey of CCAP members showed 18.5 million outstanding credit cards as of the fourth quarter of 2025, up 12 percent from a year earlier. 

Ilagan said growth could accelerate this year as financial technology firms expand lending offerings, including buy-now-pay-later products.

“It will probably grow faster because, you know, there’s more competition coming in,” Ilagan said, adding that fintech players could broaden the market by drawing first-time borrowers into the formal credit system, many of whom may eventually upgrade to traditional credit cards.

“So, we don’t really look at them as a direct competitor. They’re enhancing the market for us,” he said.

3% is great!! No consumer will want it higher.  It would be detrimental to their wallet. 

Full recovery of the tourism industry is still out of reach says DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/01/21/philippine-tourism-surges-to-648-million-arrivals-yet-full-recovery-still-out-of-reach

International arrivals in the Philippines climbed to 6.48 million in 2025, a strong post-pandemic recovery that remained below pre-pandemic levels of about eight million, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said.

DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said the Bureau of Immigration (BI) recorded 5.9 million foreign tourists.

Around 500,000 were foreign nationals under other travel categories, and over 40,000 were overseas Filipinos.

Frasco noted that these figures highlight a gap with the government’s e-travel system, which currently reflects only 5.85 million arrivals.

She attributed the discrepancy to travelers exempted from e-travel reporting, such as foreign dignitaries, diplomats and their families, cruise passengers, and chartered flight arrivals.

The DOT is coordinating with the BI and the DICT to close these data gaps and ensure accurate visitor counts.

The tourism chief said the difference between BI data and e-travel records has steadily grown—from roughly 200,000 in 2023 to 486,000 in 2024, and about 618,000 in 2025.

She stressed that passport-stamped BI data remains the most accurate measure of actual arrivals.

International arrivals continue to rise, led by visitors from South Korea and the United States.

Strong growth was also seen from Japan, Australia, Canada, and India due to visa-free policies.

The recent 14-day visa-free entry for Chinese tourists is expected to further boost numbers.

Frasco acknowledged challenges, including the prolonged suspension of Chinese e-visas and natural disasters, noting that arrivals tend to decline after major incidents.

Despite these hurdles, she highlighted ongoing DOT promotional efforts with a modest ₱100-million marketing budget, far below competing destinations.

Airport upgrades, including the partial rollout of e-gates at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, aim to streamline arrivals and ensure proper recording of all international visitors as tourism recovery continues.

But the real numbers apparently are not known due to discrepancies between the BI and the DICT. 

Coronavirus Lockdown: Muntinlupa Health Workers, Philippines Waives Visas For Chinese, and More!

More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government. 

In order to boost post-pandemic tourist numbers the Philippines has begun waiving visas for Chinese tourists. 

https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/789333

The Philippines will allow Chinese nationals to enter without visas for a stay of up to two weeks, as the Southeast Asian nation pushes to revive its faltering tourism sector.

The visa-free privilege for Chinese nationals entering the Philippines for tourism or business will be effective Friday, Manila’s Department of Foreign Affairs said. It’s also only valid for those entering through the Manila and Cebu airports, and the 14-day stay period is not extendable.

“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 department said in a statement on Thursday. The visa-free arrangement will be in effect for a year and will be reviewed before expiring, it added.

The Philippines is further easing travel requirements for Chinese visitors as its tourism industry struggles to gain ground. The country has also been a regional laggard in post-pandemic tourism recovery as Chinese nationals opt for neighbouring countries like Vietnam. Tourism accounts for nearly a tenth of Philippine economic output.

The move marks a sharp reversal from curbs placed a few years ago over concerns that some visitors from China were involved in scams and illegal gambling. It also comes even with a lingering spat between Manila and Beijing in the South China Sea.

So, after all the trouble the Philippines has had with Chinese workers coming over on tourist visas and immigration officials being bribed by fake Chinese tourists the BI is now going to wave protective strictures to boost tourism 

Muntinlupa helth workers are set to finally receive their pandemic health allowances. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/01/16/muntinlupa-health-workers-to-receive-hea

Health workers in Muntinlupa will finally receive their Health Emergency Allowance (HEA) intended for those who worked in risk areas during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon announced that the city government received the fund from the Department of Health. 

“The HEA comes from the National Government to be given to health workers and other personnel who provided services during the pandemic. The granting of the said allowance was delayed because it was still subject to the review of the DOH allocation of funds from the National Government,” Biazon posted on Facebook. 

With the passage of the 2026 General Appropriations Act after President Marcos signed the budget, the amount of P6.77 Billion was formally allocated for the HEA nationwide. The amount represented the balance of the government for HEA. 

The mayor said in Muntinlupa, the DOH downloaded P36 million on Jan. 12 and the City Health Office is computing the allocation per qualified beneficiary for the preparation of the payroll. 

It is estimated that the HEA will be released next week.

In a 2022 press release, the Department of Budget and Management said, “Qualified health workers refer to medical, allied medical, and other personnel assigned in hospitals and health care facilities, and who are directly catering to or in contact with COVID-19 patients, persons under investigation (PUIs) or persons under monitoring (PUMs).”

The HEA categories were based on risk exposure. Those deployed in "low risk areas" were entitled to at least P3,000; those deployed in "medium risk areas" would receive at least P6,000; and those in "high risk areas" would get at least P9,000.

Biazon said depending on the worker category, there are those whose HEA will be deducted withholding tax. 

Which other workers have yet to receive their money?

During the pandemic which caused uncertainty about the entertainment business one Filipina feared for her the future of her singing career. Influenced by Taylor Swift she began steps to retain full ownership of her music catalog.

https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/music/2026/1/18/how-taylor-swift-inspired-yeng-constantino-to-make-a-brave-career-move-1534

Yeng Constantino opened up about how Taylor Swift inspired her to take ownership of her music catalog.

In an interview on MYX NOW , Yeng shared that Taylor's decision to reclaim ownership of her master recordings made a strong impression on her as a brave and empowering move.

"I have a contract with Star Music that they will handle my songs for fifteen years, I think. This is Taylor Swift, when we saw that she really fought to own her songs, [I said] that's great, that's brave. But I didn't immediately think that I wanted to do that too," she said.

Yeng explained that it was during the pandemic when she seriously considered following a similar path, amid the uncertainty surrounding live performances and the entertainment industry.

"But the pandemic happened, so during the pandemic, I think you also felt that the world would go back to the way it was before? Would there still be gigs, would there still be normal TV shows where I could still be seen that way like before? And one of the things that I really saw was the potential of me owning my catalog," she recalled.

The singer admitted that the most difficult part of the decision was informing her Star Music family, whom she credits for supporting her career over the years.

"I think the hardest part of that journey is to talk to my bosses because they've been so good to me. Sir Jonathan (Manalo), Sir Roxy (Liquigan). It's so heartbreaking, as in I was really crying when we talked. I cried, [I said] I'm really sorry, I'm sorry that I had to do this, I also need to think about my future and also like the people I see with Taylor, it would be a huge blessing financially for me if the world didn't go back to the way it was," she said.

Yeng added that things eventually worked out for the better. "Thank God, the world is back to how it was before and here we are doing shows again, concerts, so the blessings are doubly doubly. Plus, I didn't burn any bridges with my bosses. We still see each other, we love each other... And they really understood where I came from," she remarked.

Back in 2023, Yeng released an extended play (EP) called Yeng REIMAGINED featuring the re-recordings of her past singles after owning her music catalog.

In an Instagram post in July 2023, Yeng said, "After a few years, my music catalog is now in my care. 🥰 And because of that, I gave some of the songs you loved from me a new look."

She added: "This is REIMAGINED . The first five songs of many more to come. I will always be grateful for all the support you have given and are giving me. I dedicate all of this to you Yengsters! Pre-save the EP! Link in bio. JULY 28, 2023 out!"

The EP contains five songs including "Salamat," "Lapit," "Ako Muna," "Kasalano Ko Ba," and "Pag Ayaw Mo Na."

In another Instagram post, Yeng explained why she chose the said songs for this EP.

"Three of my songs became singles that are fan favorites and I love singing live ('Lapit,' 'Salamat,' 'Ako Muna'). One track that didn't become a single but is one of my favorite things I've written ('Pag Ayaw Mo Na')," she said.

Yeng continued: "A song I wrote for others that I gave my own twist to ('Kasalanan Ko Ba' for Ms. Jaya)."

The singer remarked that the process of bringing this project to life has been a joyful one.

"The process of making this project has been so much fun. From searching through my music catalogue, arranging, recording, thinking of the album cover and now delivering it to you. Never mind the eyebags and fatigue! Join me in looking back at the songs I wrote!" she stated.

Aside from crying to her bosses she does not say how she was able to get the rights to her music catalog. Did she buy them? If so for how much? Did she just re-record them? Either way she succeeded. 

The Superflu is here!. But nothing to worry about. It's just the ordinary flu. 

https://davaocity.gov.ph/health/cho-urges-public-to-observe-health-standards-amid-superflu/

The City Health Office (CHO) urged Dabawenyos to practice basic health standards amid the advent of superflu.

Even then, the CHO said the illness should not be a cause for alarm as it is similar to the ordinary flu.

CHO Officer-in-Charge Tomas Miguel Ababon clarified that superflu is not a new disease but a variant of the common flu, particularly the H3N2 variant, with the same symptoms and treatment.

“Superflu is just a variant of the common flu, specifically the H3N2 variant. It is just like the ordinary flu. It is not a very alarming disease because its symptoms and treatment are the same as those of the common flu,” Ababon said.

As part of its information and awareness campaign, the CHO reminded the public to observe preventive measures similar to those practiced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“How to prevent, kadtong niagi tag COVID, all of the preventive measures for that disease are also the preventive measures for this disease. Cover your mouth when coughing, stay at home kung sick kung naay fever, and if you must go out, wear a well-fitting mask. Wash hands every now and then; don’t touch your face, especially if you are not sure that your hands are clean,” he added.

This month, the CHO also strengthened its campaign on the prevention of Influenza-like Illness (ILI), which has symptoms such as sore throat and body pain, cough or colds, fever, and fatigue.

The health office advised Dabawenyos to stay hydrated, eat nutritious food, get enough rest, and consistently follow minimum health standards to prevent flu-related illnesses.

So, basic health precautions are what was recommended during COVID? How long until stay at home orders are issued?

Coronavirus Lockdown: Radiation Oncology, Skincare, and More!

More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government. 

After shutting down during the pandemic the National Kidney and Transplant Institute is set to reopen its radiation onocology services. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1266563

The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) is set to reopen its Radiation Oncology Services this year to expand access to life-saving cancer treatment, the institute said.

In a news release on Friday, the NKTI said the resumption of services will be made possible through the donation of a Linear Accelerator (LINAC) by the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) following a ceremonial turnover and signing of the deed of donation.

The reopening marked the revival of NKTI’s Radiation Oncology Service, which ceased operations during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and has not been in use since 2022.

The Radiation Oncology Section was established to address the need for accessible, high-quality healthcare services, particularly in the delivery of radiation therapy for cancer patients, the NKTI said.

The service is part of the NKTI Radiation Oncology Project (NKTI-ROP), which was implemented through a public-private partnership in 2015.

The LINAC is commonly used for external beam radiation therapy and allows precise treatment of tumor sites by delivering high-energy X-rays or electrons while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

With more than four decades of experience in healthcare, NKTI emphasized that the facility underscores its commitment to improving patient care through expanded services and the adoption of modern medical technology.

The resumption of radiation oncology services is expected to significantly improve access to cancer treatment for patients who require radiotherapy, it said.

This begs the question: why now? Everything else has reopened. Why has this important medical service been shuttered until now?

In the Philippines men have been driving growth in the anti-aging skin care market.

https://tribune.net.ph/2026/01/09/filipino-men-drive-growth-in-anti-aging-skincare-market

Filipino men, particularly working professionals aged 30 and above, are increasingly investing in skincare products, signaling a shift in a market long dominated by women’s grooming routines.

Industry observers note a steady rise in men’s skincare purchases across e-commerce platforms, with anti-aging products emerging as one of the fastest-growing segments. Local brands are beginning to benefit from the trend, challenging the dominance of imported labels.

One of these brands is Zenith, a Filipino men’s skincare company that launched only months ago. The brand reports that more than 30,000 men have used its products within its first year of operations. Its anti-aging tallow cream has also ranked as the top-selling moisturizer on Lazada, according to the company.

Observers say the shift reflects changing attitudes among Filipino men, many of whom grew up associating skincare with women. That perception is now fading, particularly among urban professionals who increasingly link personal appearance with confidence and workplace performance.

Unlike multi-step skincare routines popularized in recent years, many male consumers favor simplified regimens. Products marketed as efficient, easy to apply, and designed specifically for men have gained traction, particularly those positioned for daily use in the country’s humid climate.

Actor and Marine reservist Enzo Pineda is among those who have spoken publicly about men’s skincare. After trying Zenith’s anti-aging cream, he shared his experience.

"This is one of the best products for my skin," Pineda said. "We're not getting any younger, and we're busy. But this product feels good on my skin after applying."

Pineda said he noticed changes within days, including brighter skin, a clearer complexion, and reduced dark spots and fine lines. He encouraged men to start early.

"Anti-aging doesn't mean we take it when we're already aging. Truth is, we're getting older. That's why we need to take care of our skin as early as possible," he said.

"I highly suggest this to all the guys out there. I love the product. Love everything about it."

Model and chef Rollo Espino also shared his views on men’s skincare, noting that signs of aging can appear earlier than expected. Describing his experience with Zenith products, Espino said they are "straight-forward, effective, and made for men."

Market analysts say several factors have contributed to the growing interest in men’s skincare. Increased exposure to video calls during the pandemic heightened awareness of appearance, while social media normalized grooming conversations among men. At the same time, brands have begun developing formulations tailored to male skin, which tends to be thicker, oilier, and more prone to environmental stress.

Zenith said its products are formulated using grass-fed beef tallow combined with retinol and hyaluronic acid, ingredients designed to support skin hydration and anti-aging without leaving a heavy or greasy feel.

For many male consumers, the decision to invest in skincare is driven by professional image, confidence, and accessibility. Online shopping platforms, free shipping offers, and customer reviews have made trying new products easier and less risky.

With local brands gaining visibility and consumer acceptance, industry watchers say men’s skincare is no longer a niche category but a growing segment of the Philippine beauty market.

All those zoom calls during the pandemic made men realize they need to look good on camera. 

More routes to Davao are being planned as part of the nation's post-pandemic recovery. 

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/amp/story/davao/triangulated-air-routes-to-boost-davaos-intl-links

FOR greater regional and international connectivity, the local government is exploring triangulated air routes to help sustain Davao City’s international links, attract investments, boost trade, and expand tourism opportunities.

Department of Trade and Industry-Davao Region (DTI-Davao) Director Romeo L. Castañaga said on Friday, January 9, 2025, that the proposed route strategy moves away from the traditional point-to-point model by linking multiple destinations in a single flight. He explained during the Business Insights media forum at NCCC Mall Maa that triangulated routes allow airlines to connect Davao with domestic and international destinations in one continuous loop, making operations more commercially viable.

Under the model, a single route could, for instance, link Davao with domestic hubs such as Siargao or Cebu before continuing to Manado, which in turn could connect to Bali. This setup increases passenger volume and reduces reliance on Manila as the primary transit hub.

“Some passengers are not only traveling to Manado but also to other destinations. Triangulated routes increase passenger volume and ensure sustainability,” Castañaga said.

He noted that major carriers, including Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines, have already expressed interest in the Davao-Manado route, which the government aims to revive as part of its post-pandemic recovery efforts. A working group, in coordination with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and airline partners, is currently assessing ways to ensure the long-term viability of the route.

Beyond BIMP-Eaga network

Castañaga added that the Davao City government has formed a special committee on air connectivity, co-chaired by the Department of Tourism in Region 11 (DOT-Davao). The committee is tasked with identifying potential direct-flight destinations beyond the traditional BIMP (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines)-Eaga network.

At present, Davao City maintains four direct international routes — Bangkok, Singapore, China, and Doha, Qatar. 

They are also looking to resume connections to Japan and possibly Kuala Lumpur in the near future.

Sea connectivity exploration

Beyond air travel, sea connectivity is also being considered as part of the city’s broader transport and trade strategy. Castañaga said there are still untapped opportunities for private-sector participation in developing shipping routes that could further strengthen Davao’s position as a logistics and trade gateway in Mindanao.

Economic doorway approach

The DTI official also highlighted the adoption of an economic corridor approach, which focuses on regional clusters rather than isolated city-to-city links. One example is the Mindanao-Sulawesi corridor, which integrates trade, tourism, and socio-cultural exchanges between the two regions.

Castañaga emphasized that improving air connectivity in Mindanao requires a strategic shift from the traditional Manila-centric aviation model to a more decentralized and region-driven network.

He said Mindanao’s current air travel setup remains largely dependent on flights routed through Metro Manila, limiting passenger traffic, increasing travel time, and discouraging potential investors and tourists who prefer more direct and efficient connections. By developing triangulated and multi-destination routes, Davao and other Mindanao gateways can serve as alternative international and domestic hubs.

He added that the expansion of air routes in Mindanao would not only benefit Davao City but also support nearby provinces by improving access to emerging tourism destinations, agricultural export points, and business centers. This, in turn, could stimulate job generation, strengthen regional value chains, and reduce economic concentration in Luzon.

Castañaga also stressed that sustained airline operations in Mindanao depend on coordinated efforts among national agencies, local governments, tourism stakeholders, and the private sector to ensure consistent passenger demand and route profitability.

With airports in Davao, General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, and emerging gateways in Siargao and Cotabato, Mindanao is well-positioned to become a major aviation network in the southern Philippines once supported by innovative routing strategies and long-term policy commitment.

Castañaga concluded that building a stronger Mindanao air travel system is essential not only for mobility, but also for positioning the island as a competitive economic and tourism hub in Southeast Asia.

Again, why now? Why not open these routes earlier?