Try GOLD - Free

Philippines growth seen slowing in H2

The Freeman

|

August 28, 2025

Philippine economic growth is expected to slow in the second half as global economic conditions weaken and reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States take full effect, according to research and analysis firm BMI.

In a report, the Fitch Solutions unit said it is keeping its 2025 gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for the Philippines at 5.4 percent, even as the US has announced the imposition of a slightly lower tariff on Philippine exports.

Since Aug. 7, Philippine exports to the US have been slapped with a 19-percent tariff, slightly lower than the 20 percent levy announced in July.

The latest tariff rate, however, is higher than the 17 percent levy that the US unveiled in April.

MORE STORIES FROM The Freeman

The Freeman

France ambassador reaffirms ties with Cebu City

A “stronger” tie and cooperation with Cebu City is what France’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Marie Fontanel, has reopened with Mayor Nestor Archival, with discussions centered on infrastructure, disaster resilience, and cultural exchange.

time to read

1 mins

December 19, 2025

The Freeman

Visa, CIBI partner to boost credit access for underserved Filipinos

Visa Inc. and CIBI Information Inc. have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop and pilot data-driven credit solutions aimed at widening responsible access to finance for underserved Filipinos, particularly consumers with limited or “thin” credit histories.

time to read

2 mins

December 19, 2025

The Freeman

Richard Gomez accused of hitting fencing prexy

SEA Games 2025 silver medalist and Leyte 4th district representative Richard Gomez trended after figuring in a hitting incident captured on camera at the ongoing biennial event in Thailand.

time to read

3 mins

December 19, 2025

The Freeman

Over 1K scholars recognized for graduating with honors

The Cebu City government honored more than a thousand city scholars who graduated with distinction during the 9th Cebu City Latin Honors Awarding Ceremony held at the IC3 Convention Center.

time to read

1 mins

December 19, 2025

The Freeman

DILG honors LGU partners in Phl open gov't program

Cebu City along with 10 other local government units (LGUs) in Central Visayas has been recognized as the first cohort members of the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP) Localization Program during a conferment ceremony at the Cebu Parklane Hotel.

time to read

1 min

December 19, 2025

The Freeman

FLOOD VICTIMS IN MANDAUE CITY 14 families get relocation ahead of Christmas Day

At least 14 families from Barangays Umapad and Alang-Alang in Mandaue City are set to relocate to Bayanihan Village at Pasilong sa Paradise in Barangay Guizo, just days before Christmas.

time to read

2 mins

December 19, 2025

The Freeman

Sending the wrong message

Foreigners who want to apply for a U.S. immigration visa now have the option to expedite their application with the recently-launched Trump Gold Card.

time to read

1 mins

December 19, 2025

The Freeman

New flights, domestic demand drive Cebu tourism recovery

Cebu's tourism industry is showing signs of recovery in 2025, supported by a rebound in air connectivity and resilient domestic demand, even as structural bottlenecks and natural disasters continue to weigh on growth.

time to read

2 mins

December 19, 2025

The Freeman

The Freeman

Oscars to stream exclusively on YouTube from 2029

The Oscars will be shown only on YouTube from 2029, the Academy said yesterday, in a radical gambit for a movie industry that remains wary of streaming platforms even as viewing habits shift online.

time to read

2 mins

December 19, 2025

The Freeman

The court acquittals in 2025

Whenever a court decides to acquit an accused, it does not necessarily mean that he is innocent.

time to read

3 mins

December 19, 2025

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size