From criminal penalties to civil remedies: Reexamining libel and cyberlibel in the Philippines

April 1, 2026 | 12:01 am

closeup-shot-handcuffs-lying-laptop-keypad-online-crime-concept — STOCK PHOTO | Image by Wirestock from Freepik

Cyberlibel remains the top recorded cybercrime in the Philippines in 2025, according to recent data from the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center. Undoubtedly, cyberlibel cases have contributed to the congestion not only of court dockets but also of prosecutorial offices.

Against this backdrop, lawmakers and human rights advocates continue to question whether the criminalization of cyberlibel and libel in general remains appropriate. Over the years, several proposals have been filed in Congress seeking to decriminalize libel. To date, however, none of the bills have been enacted into law.

In 2012, Senate Bill No. 3244 was introduced, proposing the decriminalization of libel. The bill invoked the right to freedom of expression under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which the Philippines has ratified. It also cited the United Nations Human Rights Committee’s position, urging states to consider the decriminalization of defamation, emphasizing that imprisonment is not an appropriate penalty for it. This bill has not been passed into law.

Instead, in the same year, Republic Act No. 10175, otherwise known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, was signed into law. It expressly defined cyberlibel as a crime and imposed a heavier penalty. This law on cyberlibel faced criticism both locally and internationally, for being violative of the Filipinos’ rights to free expression and for being incompatible with the Philippine government’s obligations under international law.

However, in the landmark case of Disini v. Secretary of Justice [G.R. No. 203355, Feb. 18, 2014], the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of penalizing cyberlibel, ruling that libel is not a constitutionally protected speech. It recognized the unique nature of libel in the cyberspace, where defamatory statements can spread rapidly and cause harm with just a single click.

The ruling, however, was not unanimous. In his Dissenting Opinion, Justice Marvic Leonen opined that criminal libel should be struck down as infringing upon the guarantee of freedom of expression under the Philippine Constitution. He emphasized that declaring criminal libel as unconstitutional does not mean that the state countenances private defamation; instead, the state’s interest is better served with laws providing for civil remedies for the affected party.

The Dissenting Opinion further stated that a survey of libel cases during the past two decades will reveal that the libel cases that have gone up to the Supreme Court and pursued to their conclusion generally involved notable personalities for parties — electoral candidates, ambassadors, and business tycoons, lawyers, actors or celebrities, corporations, and public officers. Libel cases filed by private persons, on the other hand, are usually settled amicably. According to the Dissenting Opinion, this attests to the propensity to use the advantages of criminal libel by those who are powerful and influential to silence their critics.

In 2022, Senate Bill No. 1593 was filed, proposing the decriminalization of libel and cyberlibel. The bill noted that the rise and prevalence of social media as a primary medium of communication has led to the further weaponization of libel laws against the press and active citizenship. It pointed out that the abundance of cyberlibel cases spurred by scorned private citizens all collectively contribute to the overburdening of both the executive and judicial branches of the government and the draining of their respective resources. The National Prosecution Service and the courts of justice are now at the mercy of private litigants who fail to think before they type, and the trigger-happy citizens who deem themselves entitled to pursue litigation for every minor inconvenience. However, this bill has also not been passed into law.

Currently, there are several bills pending in Congress, pushing for the decriminalization of libel and cyberlibel and a shift toward civil remedies instead. Among them is Senate Bill No. 250 filed in 2025, which clarifies that decriminalizing libel does not mean that people can say anything without consequences. False and malicious statements should still carry consequences. However, instead of sending people to jail, violators should be held civilly liable. Libel should be treated as a civil matter and not a crime, ensuring justice without compromising free expression or disproportionately punishing speech.

Ultimately, the persistence of cyberlibel as the country’s most prevalent cybercrime, together with the continuing push for reform, underscores the need to reexamine the country’s approach to libel and cyberlibel. While the State undeniably has an interest in protecting reputations and curbing misinformation, the continued reliance on criminal penalties raises serious concerns about fairness, proportionality, and freedom of expression. The more appropriate legal remedy may be civil in nature, as it still provides accountability, but without the arguably disproportionate threat of imprisonment. As with many other countries in the world, it may be time to treat libel and cyberlibel as a civil matter rather than a criminal offense.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. This article is for general informational and educational purposes only and not offered as and does not constitute legal advice or legal opinion.

April Jane S. Sillada is an associate of the Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law Offices (ACCRALAW), Davao Branch.

(6382) 224-0996

assillada @accralaw.com

Taylor Swift sued for trademark infringement over Life of a Showgirl

April 1, 2026 | 12:01 am

POP MEGASTAR Taylor Swift was sued by a Las Vegas performer on Monday who said Swift’s latest hit album The Life of a Showgirl violates her trademark rights.

Maren Wade said in the complaint that her long-running stage show was called Confessions of a Showgirl and asked the court to block Ms. Swift from creating confusion with her album title.

Spokespeople for Ms. Swift and her label Universal Music Group did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Ms. Wade’s attorney Jaymie Parkkinen said they “have great respect for Swift’s talent and success, but trademark law exists to ensure that creators at all levels can protect what they’ve built.”

The Life of a Showgirl, Ms. Swift’s 12^th album, was released in October and Ms. Wade said in the complaint that she began writing her “Confessions of a Showgirl” column for Las Vegas Weekly in 2014.

She said she has since toured a stage show with the same name featuring “candid and often humorous accounts of the challenges and absurdities of a career in the entertainment industry, from getting stuck inside a giant birthday cake to impersonating a Madonna impersonator.”

The US Patent and Trademark Office rejected Ms. Swift’s application last year for a federal Life of a Showgirl trademark covering “musical performances and live entertainment services,” citing potential confusion with Ms. Wade’s pre-existing Confessions of a Showgirl trademark.

Ms. Wade said in the complaint that Ms. Swift’s continued use of the Life of a Showgirl name “drowns out” her trademark “until consumers begin to assume that the original is the imitation.”

“What Plaintiff had built over 12 years, Defendants threatened to swallow in weeks,” Ms. Wade said.

Ms. Wade requested a court order blocking Ms. Swift’s use of her “Showgirl” brand and unspecified monetary damages. — Reuters

Manila slips in smart cities’ ranking, still the worst in the region

April 1, 2026 | 12:00 am

MANILA dropped seven spots in the 2026 Smart City Index by Switzerland-based International Institute for Management Development World Competitiveness Center (WCC), as residents continued to fret about corruption and traffic congestion. Read the full story.

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April 1, 2026 | 12:00 am

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Corruption issues drag Manila to near-bottom of ‘smart cities’ list

March 31, 2026 | 9:34 pm

The Manila City hall clock tower is seen in this file photo. — PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Senior Reporter

MANILA dropped seven spots in the 2026 Smart City Index by Switzerland-based International Institute for Management Development World Competitiveness Center (WCC), as residents continued to fret about corruption and traffic congestion.

The Philippine capital ranked 132^nd out of 148 countries, down seven spots from the 125^th spot a year prior.

The study evaluates cities based on how they use technology and infrastructure to improve the lives of their residents.

Manila also ranked last among major Southeast Asian cities like Singapore (9^th); Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (65^th); Bangkok, Thailand (90^th); Hanoi, Vietnam (97^th); Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (105^th); Jakarta, Indonesia (106^th); Makassar, Indonesia (112^th); and Medan, Indonesia (118^th).

According to the WCC, a smart city “strikes a good balance between its economic prowess

(e.g., jobs and business activity), applied technology, environmental concerns, and inclusiveness to facilitate a high quality of life for its citizens.”

It surveyed 120 residents per city based on key indicators like health and safety, mobility, activities, opportunities, and governance.

According to the survey results, 71% of Manila residents perceived corruption/transparency as the most urgent concern in the city, followed by health services (51.6%), road congestion (49.2%), security (44.4%), and unemployment (41.1%).

At a briefing late on Monday, WCC Director Arturo Bris said Manila’s low ranking is tied to residents’ concerns on corruption.

“Corruption hinders any other potential improvements of the city. In the Manila survey, we see that people are not willing to provide data to authorities,” he said.

Mr. Bris said that corruption is more of a country-level problem than a city-level issue.

“As long as the country resolves those corruption and government problems, then cities will do exactly the same,” he said.

Manila’s residents also raised concerns over air pollution (39.5%), affordable housing (37.9%), basic amenities like water and waste (37.1%), public transport (36.3%), and fulfilling employment (29%).

Other issues revolved around school education (19.4%), green spaces (15.3%), recycling (13.7%), citizen engagement (3.2%), and social mobility/inclusiveness (3.2%).

On the city’s availability of technologies for health and safety, Manila scored the highest (67 out of 100) on arranging medical appointments online, and on the availability of CCTV cameras (65.8). It scored the lowest on the presence of a website or application to monitor air pollution (42.5).

In terms of mobility, Manila received a score of 61.9 for online scheduling and ticket sales for public transport and scored 46.3 on the availability of apps that can direct residents to available parking space.

On the availability of structures for mobility, Manila received its lowest scores on traffic congestion (of 11.7), corruption of city officials (14.9) and air pollution (15.3).

Manila received a score of 78.9 on the activities indicator, particularly on the availability of online platforms to easily buy tickets for shows and museums.

Under opportunities for work and school, Manila received the highest score (76.6) on the availability of job listings online, but scored the lowest (55.8) on internet speed and reliability.

On governance, Manila received a score of 68.5 on the online processing of identification documents, which residents said has helped reduce waiting times. The city also had low scores on online voting (53.6), and the provision of an online platform (50.8) where they can propose ideas to improve city life.

Manila scored 40.5 on online public access to city finances, which respondents thought should reduce corruption.

However, the city scored the highest for job generation by businesses (69.2) and the availability of cultural activities (66.9).

According to the survey, 78.2% are comfortable with using face recognition technologies to lower crime, and 71% are willing to provide personal data to improve traffic.

WEAK TRUST
Leonardo A. Lanzona, an economics professor at the Ateneo de Manila University, said corruption has weakened trust in state-led digital reforms.

“Because of corruption, there exists distrust. This creates a hostile environment for smart city adoption, as citizens may view new digital systems as potential tools for surveillance or graft rather than efficiency,” he said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

Last year’s corruption scandal, which linked government officials, lawmakers, and public contractors to anomalous infrastructure projects, has affected Manila’s potential to become a smart city, Mr. Lanzona said.

“To climb out of this position, the government must prioritize integrity and efficiency as the hardware for any digital software,” Mr. Lanzona said.

John Paolo R. Rivera, a senior research fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, said corruption has weakened investor confidence needed to develop smart infrastructure.

“It undermines investor confidence, slows project implementation, and weakens public trust — all of which are essential for smart city initiatives that rely on data sharing, digital systems, and coordinated governance,” he said via Viber.

Nigel Paul C. Villarete, a senior adviser on public-private partnerships at the technical advisory group Libra Konsult, said that corruption directly impacts Manila’s livability.

“Not unless there is serious attempt to realistically curb graft and corruption shall we have the best chance of reaching our livability goals,” he said in a Viber message.

For veteran architect and Palafox Architecture Group, Inc. Founder Felino A. Palafox, Jr., Manila’s low ranking reflects the government’s lack of appreciation for good urban planning.

“This is driven by overlapping and uncoordinated functions of multiple agencies, and the imbalance of available jobs with affordable housing,” he said in a Viber message.

To address Manila’s persistent traffic problem, Mr. Rivera said the government must boost investments in mass transit and intermodal connectivity, while leveraging data-driven traffic management.

“Becoming a smart city is less about adopting new technology and more about fixing systems, improving coordination, and building institutional trust,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Zurich, Switzerland topped the 2026 Smart City Index, followed by Oslo, Norway (2^nd); Geneva, Switzerland (3^rd); London, United Kingdom (4^th); and Copenhagen, Denmark (5^th).

“The most advanced urban centers, where citizens feel happiest, are not necessarily those distinguished by their utopian skylines, visible sensor networks, or pure technological sophistication,” WCC’s Mr. Bris said.

“Instead, they stand out for how effectively they align governance structures, sustainability priorities, public investment decisions, and perhaps most importantly, the cultivation of citizen trust.”

At the bottom of the list are Lima, Peru (144^th); Beirut, Lebanon (145^th); Tunis, Tunisia (146^th); Guatemala City, Guatemala (147^th), and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (148^th).

Worst-case food price scenario deemed unlikely by Agri dep’t

March 31, 2026 | 9:33 pm

wet market-vegetable — PHILIPPINE STAR/RYAN BALDEMOR

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Tuesday that the worst-case scenario for food prices of a 20%-60% rise is unlikely because it expects the oil price shock to be mitigated by government measures to cushion the blow.

In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. called scenarios that assumed a crude oil price of $200 per barrel for six months were based on “extreme assumptions” that did not factor in the impact of government intervention.

“The prices presented assumed the full impact of soaring crude,” Mr. Laurel said. “They did not factor in government action, which we will undertake to protect Filipinos from an oil shock.”

The DA had presented at a Senate hearing last week projections for the retail prices of key agricultural commodities, such as rice, meat, and vegetables, which it floated the possibility of a 20%-60% rise in the worst-case scenario.

The impact of fighting around the Strait of Hormuz has raised concerns over disruptions to the supply of fuel as well as fertilizer. The DA said about 30% of global urea trade and roughly 20% of ammonia and phosphate flows transit the strait.

The DA said, to mitigate potential fallout, the Department of Energy has procured crude from non-traditional sources, including Russia, while the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority has been authorized to make emergency purchases of agricultural inputs.

It added that state-run firms such as Planters Products, Inc. can also be mobilized to import more fertilizer.

The DA said it is also exploring alternatives like organic fertilizer, including chicken manure, to reduce reliance on petroleum-based inputs.

While risks persist if oil prices remain high, the DA said agriculture is currently better positioned to absorb shocks than earlier thought.

“Despite global uncertainty, domestic indicators remain stable. Food prices have held broadly steady, pork inventories are sufficient, and broiler production is exceeding demand, easing farmgate prices,” the DA said. — Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

Emergency declaration risked signaling ‘distress’ to markets — ex-central banker

March 31, 2026 | 9:32 pm

Gas pump — FUEL PUMPS are seen at a gasoline station in Paco, Manila, Feb. 22, 2025. — PHILIPPINE STAR/NOEL B. PABALATE

THE government could have held off before calling an energy emergency, with the Palace acting before the legal conditions were met for making such a declaration, GlobalSource Partners said.

In a commentary published late Monday, GlobalSource Principal Advisor Diwa C. Guinigundo, a former Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) deputy governor, said: “Rather than immediately declaring an energy emergency, a more measured and strategic approach could have been unmistakably pursued.”

“A well-articulated energy contingency blueprint could have achieved preparedness without signaling distress to markets and the public,” he added.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. last week declared a yearlong state of national energy emergency via Executive Order No. 110.

Mr. Guinigundo noted that the Oil Deregulation Law provides for the declaration of a national energy emergency due to actual or imminent supply shortages, evidence of market failure such as hoarding or cartel behavior, and severe economic disruption or transport paralysis.

“At the time EO 110 was issued, these conditions were not fully evident,” he said. “The government itself described the situation then as a ‘price disruption,’ not a full-blown crisis.”

On the other hand, Marco Antonio C. Agonia, an economist at the University of Asia and the Pacific, called the government’s decision a “good first step” but cited the need to preserve confidence in the economy.

The emergency “grants powers to free up funding and oil procurement in an expedited manner,” he told BusinessWorld via e-mail. “The National Government needs to make good use of these provisions to anchor confidence in the Philippine economy.”

Mr. Guinigundo said measures being contemplated once the government decides to exercise its emergency powers, such as suspending or cutting the fuel excise tax and lowering the value-added tax on petroleum products, “can directly cushion consumers and reduce inflationary pressures… However, the tax decision should be weighed very carefully because suspending the implementation of any tax measures means foregoing that part of public revenue.”

In a blog post published on Monday, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said the disruption of energy shipments transiting the Strait of Hormuz, will have an outsized effect on “economies with weaker currencies and large energy imports” in much of Asia and parts of Latin America.

The IMF said affected countries must adopt well-calibrated policies, noting that those with limited reserves and fiscal space should be more cautious. — Katherine K. Chan

Availability of renewables seen driving data center investment interest — DICT

March 31, 2026 | 9:30 pm

data-center-cloud-storage — STOCK PHOTO | Image by DC Studio from Freepik

THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said the availability of renewable energy will loom large in the investment criteria of data-center companies as prices of fossil fuels turn volatile.

Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Rhoel R. Aguda said: “Ayaw ng mga data center ng fossil fuel (the data center industry will not bet on fossil fuels). Marami tayong solar (we have a lot of solar power), so all the more they will come to us,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the Anti-Red Tape Authority 3^rd Telco Forum on Monday.

“A lot of them will look for other data center locations, so they might move to the Philippines,” he added.

The Philippines currently has an energy mix of 26% renewable, though its power grid remains heavily dependent on coal and gas.

He added that the viability of the Philippines has been enhanced by its fiber optic cable connections.

“Meta is already crossing the Philippines through the bypass,” he said, referring to Facebook parent Meta Platforms, Inc. “Two more of the major operators are going to go through the Philippines. So soon, the three household names that provide our social media platforms will go through the Philippines,” he added.

He added that the Philippines is due to release a harmonized data sovereignty law and the data embassy policy, which are meant to incentivize local industries that locate in the country.

For its part, ARTA said the Asian Development Bank has completed a study on streamlining approval processes in the digital infrastructure and renewable energy industries.

“The study is already completed, we are already in the implementation phase,” ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez told reporters.

“Of course, our target is within the year we should implement. The most effective way to implement it through the provincial one-stop shops. The big challenge (to streamlining) is at the local government unit level,” he added.

He said that he required the eight regional offices of ARTA to have at least one provincial one-stop shop this year. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Prices of some basic goods to rise after mid-April

March 31, 2026 | 9:30 pm

grocery-push cart — PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

THE price of some basic goods could increase after April 16, the Department of Trade and Industry said after conducting a round of consultations with manufacturers.

“There is no price increase for basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPC) until April 16,” Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque said at a briefing on Tuesday.

Afterwards, “definitely, we can expect some price increase but not for all,” she added.

The consultations with BNPC manufacturers will resume after the Easter break, after which price advisories will be issued, she said.

Ms. Roque discouraged the practice of panic buying, saying the supply of basic goods is ample.

“Marami po tayong supply” (Supplies are adequate) she said. “The manufacturers have assured us that we have enough supply.”

Republic Act (RA) No. 7581 or the Price Act, as amended by RA 10623, classifies as basic necessities rice, corn, bread, fresh, dried and canned fish and other marine products, fresh pork, beef and poultry meat, fresh eggs, fresh and processed milk, fresh vegetables, root crops, coffee, sugar, cooking oil, salt, laundry soap, detergent, firewood, charcoal, candles, and drugs classified as essential by the Department of Health (DoH).

Prime commodities under the law include fresh fruit, flour, dried, processed and canned pork, beef, and poultry meat, dairy products not falling under basic necessities, noodles, onions, garlic, vinegar, patis, soy sauce, toilet soap, fertilizer, pesticide, herbicide, poultry, swine and cattle feed, veterinary products for poultry, swine and cattle, paper, school supplies, nipa shingles, sawali (woven bamboo panels), cement, clinker, GI sheets, hollow blocks, plywood, plyboard, construction nails, batteries, electrical supplies, light bulbs, steel wire, and all drugs not classified as essential drugs by the DoH. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

MARINA allows up to 30% rise in fares, cargo charges

March 31, 2026 | 9:29 pm

PPA_Annual_Report_2023_0-280_Tagbilaran-OL — Ocean Jet fastcrafts docked at the Port of Tagbilaran — Photo from the PPA 2023 Annual Report

BOAT FARES and ship cargo rates have been allowed to rise as much as 30%, the industry’s regulator, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), said.

In a March 30 advisory, MARINA authorized domestic shipping companies, ship operators, shippers, charterers, and cargo owners to raise their charges by up to 30% from the rates published in their certificates of public convenience (CPC) or franchises, citing global fuel costs and state of national energy emergency.

The order, signed by Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan, said increases may only be implemented at the pace of the weekly required rate adjustments (RRA) issued by MARINA.

“Shipping operators must observe the RRA to be issued by MARINA on a weekly basis. The RRA shall serve as the maximum allowable limit for any rate adjustments implemented by shipping operators specifically attributed to fuel price fluctuations,” it said.

MARINA said the 30% cap on rate adjustments also covers the collection of fuel surcharges of up to 20% of base fares, announced earlier this month.

The regulator added that the transport of agricultural products, basic and critical commodities will continue to be given priority and will remain subject to a 20% limit for rate adjustment.

Operators must also notify MARINA and the public at least three days before implementing any upward rate adjustment, it said, noting that they must publish the notification in a newspaper of general or regional circulation or post notice in ports, vessels, company premises, passenger terminals, and official websites and social media accounts.

“Should global fuel prices decrease, operators are mandated to implement a corresponding downward rate adjustment. Similar to increases, these must be posted or published and will take effect three calendar days following the notification,” MARINA said.

MARINA said it will regularly monitor freight and passenger rates to deter overcharging.

“The inflation impact should be modest and sector‑specific, not broad‑based, since transport is just one cost component,” Reyes Tacandong & Co. Senior Adviser Jonathan L. Ravelas said via Viber on Tuesday.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, in its month-ahead inflation forecast, projected March inflation at 3.1% to 3.9%, up from 1.8% a year earlier and 2.4% in February.

The central bank attributed the acceleration to rising fuel, electricity, and rice prices, compounded by the peso’s sustained depreciation.

“But allowing reasonable rate increases actually reduces the risk of disruption. From a policy standpoint, it’s better to absorb a manageable cost pass‑through than face delays or shortages in the movement of goods,” Mr. Ravelas said.

Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development Senior Research Fellow Ser Percival K. Peña-Reyes said the move is linked to fuel price volatility, as shipping companies face rising operating costs that could lead to adverse consequences if fares are not adjusted.

“Some routes might become unprofitable. Service frequency could decline. Supply chains could be disrupted. So, the policy is a trade-off between short-term inflation pressure and maintaining stable logistics services,” he said via Viber.

The rise in fares and cargo charges will likely add to inflation through higher logistics costs, especially for food, construction materials, and basic goods, according to Philippine Institute for Development Studies Senior Research Fellow John Paolo R. Rivera.

“As transport costs increase, businesses tend to pass these on to consumers. It may also affect the flow of goods as some operators could reduce trips or adjust routes to manage costs, leading to delays. While necessary for industry viability, it risks amplifying second-round inflation effects if fuel prices remain high,” Mr. Rivera said. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Taiwan electric bus manufacturer considering PHL operations — PEZA

March 31, 2026 | 9:28 pm

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said a maker of electric buses from Taiwan is considering a $25-million manufacturing investment in the Philippines.

In a statement on Tuesday, PEZA said the investment lead emerged during an investment mission to Taipei in mid-March.

“We are seeing strong and sustained interest from Taiwan investors, particularly in high-growth and innovation-driven sectors,” PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga said.

PEZA also received interest from a Taiwan food manufacturer looking into a possible economic zone investment.

A Taiwan electronics and semiconductor delegation is expected to visit the Philippines soon to explore opportunities, PEZA added.

“Several firms signified interest in capacity expansion and diversification into higher-value activities, reinforcing the importance of sustained aftercare services in anchoring long-term investments in the Philippines,” PEZA said.

Meanwhile, PEZA and the Manila Economic and Cultural Office, the Philippine government’s de facto representatives in Taiwan, signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate business support organizations partnerships.

The tie-up will promote investments, facilitate business matching, and enhance the overall ease of doing business between the Philippines and Taiwan, PEZA said. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

PHL rice imports seen rising to 5.1 million MT

March 31, 2026 | 9:28 pm

PHILIPPINE rice imports are projected to exceed five million metric tons (MMT) in marketing year (MY) 2026-2027, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) said.

The USDA forecast inbound rice shipments to increase nearly 16% during the period, up from the estimated 4.4 MMT in the ongoing MY 2025-2026.

The rice marketing year runs from July to June of the following year.

The anticipated rise in imports is linked to tighter stock levels carried over from the current marketing year. Rice inventories are expected to drop to 2.9 MMT, slightly below the previous year’s 2.95 MMT.

“Ending stocks are expected to decline compared to the previous marketing year due to the impact of the four-month rice import ban, which reduced stock carryover,” the USDA said.

Palay (unmilled rice) output is projected at 19.68 MMT in MY 2026-2027, reflecting a 0.4% increase from the prior year.

Despite the slight uptick in production and incremental yield gains, the USDA said steady population growth will continue to push demand for the staple grain, which will “keep overall consumption on an upward trend,” the USDA said.

It said Philippine rice consumption in MY 2026-2027 is expected to inch up to 17.65 MMT from 17.6 MMT in the current MY. — Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel