‘Phi economy likely grew 2.6% in Q2’

The Philippine economy likely grew at a slower pace in the second quarter due to the impact of high inflation and recent headwinds, including the Middle East conflict, on economic activity, according to the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P).

- By LOUELLA DESIDERIO

“We estimate the second quarter GDP (gross domestic product) growth at 2.6 percent, with consumption and investment likely weighed down by recent headwinds,” UA&P said in the June 2026 edition of The Market Call Capital Markets Research report.

The forecast is slower than the 2.8-percent growth posted in the first quarter.

First quarter’s growth outturn was the weakest since 2021 as last year’s flood control controversy and the oil shock triggered by the war in the Middle East earlier this year dampened domestic demand and investor sentiment.