The Philippines’ economic growth slows to a five-year low, with officials citing regional disruption from the war in the Middle East alongside domestic concerns. The Philippine Statistics Authority reports that gross domestic product expands 2.8% in the first quarter (the three months to March). This is down from 5.4% in the same quarter a year earlier, and it is also lower than the 3.0% growth recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025.
In response to the weaker performance, officials signal that future economic targets may be lowered. One outlet also notes that the slowdown is part of a broader picture in which growth lags peers in the region, referencing Vietnam, Indonesia and China.
The two reports agree on the headline figures for Q1 growth and the five-year-low characterization, and both link the slowdown to the impact of the Middle East conflict, while emphasizing adjustments to expectations for the months ahead.
