Marcos tackles Middle East, South China Sea, Myanmar in 48th ASEAN Summit briefing

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/video-marcos-jr-press-conference-48th-asean-summit-cebu-may-2026/

Rappler Recap: Solutions needed ASAP, but no specifics from ASEAN leaders

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/recap-video-outcome-issues-48th-asean-summit-cebu-may-8-2026/

The week in photos: May 2-8, 2026

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/world/global-affairs/the-week-in-photos-may-2-8-2026/

ASEAN chair Marcos: Effects of Middle East crisis ‘to be felt for years to come’

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/video-marcos-jr-opening-statement-48th-asean-summit-retreat-cebu-may-2026/

FULL TEXT: Marcos’ opening statement at 48th ASEAN Summit retreat session

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/transcript-marcos-jr-opening-statement-48th-asean-summit-retreat-cebu-may-2026/

ASEAN in Cebu: Solutions to Middle East crisis needed ASAP but nothing concrete yet

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/asean-summit-cebu-solutions-middle-east-crisis-needed-asap-nothing-concrete/

Philippine Economic Growth Slows Down To 2.8% In 1st Quarter Of 2026

While the Philippines is hosting the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the economy of the nation grew only 2.8% in the first quarter this year and it is the slowest growth in five years, according to a business news report by the Manila Bulletin.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippine economy grew at its slowest pace in five years, expanding just 2.8 percent in the first quarter of 2026, as the country grapples with the persistent government spending slump and mounting inflation shocks.

The country’s economy, as measured by the gross domestic product (GDP), decelerated from the 3.0 percent expansion recorded in the final three months of 2025.

It also significantly missed the 3.4 percent median growth projected by economists in a survey, and marked the weakest quarterly output for the country since the first quarter of 2021, when the economy contracted 3.8 percent during pandemic-era lockdowns.

Growth was severely dragged down by a prolonged slump in public construction following a massive government flood-control scandal late last year, which has continued to stall state spending.

Moreover, the global energy shock triggered by the Middle East conflict in late February also sent domestic oil and input costs soaring, severely denting consumer and business confidence.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think heavy government spending will boost the economy somehow? Could it be possible that the Philippines could fall into a recession this year or next year? How do you rate the performance of the economic managers of the national government?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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LIVE: ASEAN leaders attend gala dinner

ASEAN leaders attend the gala dinner during the 48th ASEAN Leaders Summit in the Philippines’ central island of Cebu. #ASEANSummit #Philippines #Cebu #ASEAN2026 #live #Reuters #News Keep up with the latest news from around the world:

https://fllics.com/en/video/live-asean-leaders-attend-gala-dinner/

Philippines plays peacemaker in Cambodia-Thailand meeting in Cebu

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/peacemaker-cambodia-thailand-meeting-asean-summit-2026/