UK Housing Market Gains Momentum in Early 2026 as Mortgage Rates Fall 
Nvidia’s $100 Billion OpenAI Investment Faces Internal Doubts, Report Says 
Starmer’s China Visit Signals New Era in UK–China Economic Relations 
Toyota Retains Global Auto Sales Crown in 2025 With Record 11.3 Million Vehicles Sold 
Trump Threatens Aircraft Tariffs as U.S.-Canada Jet Certification Dispute Escalates 
CSPC Pharma and AstraZeneca Forge Multibillion-Dollar Partnership to Develop Long-Acting Peptide Drugs 
Dollar Struggles as Policy Uncertainty Weighs on Markets Despite Official Support 
Elon Musk’s Empire: SpaceX, Tesla, and xAI Merger Talks Spark Investor Debate 
Indonesia Stocks Face Fragile Sentiment After MSCI Warning and Market Rout 
Trump Threatens 50% Tariff on Canadian Aircraft Amid Escalating U.S.-Canada Trade Dispute 
Pentagon and Anthropic Clash Over AI Safeguards in National Security Use 
Asia Stocks Pause as Tech Earnings, Fed Signals, and Dollar Weakness Drive Markets 
OpenAI Reportedly Eyes Late-2026 IPO Amid Rising Competition and Massive Funding Needs 
Wall Street Slides as Warsh Fed Nomination, Hot Inflation, and Precious Metals Rout Shake Markets 
Asian Currencies Trade Flat as Dollar Retreats After Fed Decision 
Canada’s Trade Deficit Jumps in November as Exports Slide and Firms Diversify Away From U.S. 
SpaceX Updates Starlink Privacy Policy to Allow AI Training as xAI Merger Talks and IPO Loom 
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $400 million policy-based loan designed to support the Philippines’ push to improve its business environment and attract more foreign investment. Although the country remains one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies, it continues to lag behind regional competitors due to persistent red tape, high electricity costs, and inadequate infrastructure—factors that have long discouraged foreign direct investment (FDI).
ADB Country Director for the Philippines Andrew Jeffries emphasized the crucial role of the private sector in driving economic expansion and job creation. He noted that the bank is committed to helping the Philippines build a more dynamic and competitive business landscape through reforms that enhance efficiency and reduce barriers to entry. The new funding program aims to strengthen legal and regulatory frameworks, making it easier for companies to start, operate, and expand, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy and digital infrastructure, which are essential for long-term growth.
According to the World Bank’s Business Ready 2024 report, the Philippines ranked 16th in regulatory framework, 24th in public services, and 36th in operational efficiency among 50 economies—trailing behind many of its Southeast Asian peers. This underperformance is reflected in FDI inflows: the Philippines recorded $8.9 billion last year, significantly lower than Malaysia’s $11 billion, Indonesia’s $24 billion, and Vietnam’s $20 billion, based on UNCTAD’s ASEAN Investment Report 2025.
The ADB’s support arrives at a sensitive time, as the country faces a major corruption scandal involving flood-control projects. Allegations of billions of pesos lost to substandard or nonexistent infrastructure have implicated lawmakers and public works officials, sparking public outrage. The controversy has disrupted infrastructure spending, dampened investor sentiment, and added urgency to efforts aimed at restoring confidence and strengthening governance.
This strategic financial boost is expected to aid the Philippines in fostering a more transparent, efficient, and investor-friendly economy capable of sustaining robust growth.
