Kapihan sa Manila Hotel

LOOK: As inflationary pressures continue to weigh on Filipino families, the government’s economic team discussed key strategies to curb rising prices, strengthen food security, and protect vulnerable sectors.

At Kapihan sa Manila Hotel, hosted by former Senator Atty. Joey Lina and former Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma, Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon, Department of Finance (DOF) Assistant Secretary Dr. Neil Adrian Cabiles, and Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Assistant National Statistician Rachel Lacsa discussed the current status of inflation in the Philippines, government interventions, and the broader macroeconomic outlook.

Lacsa said price pressures remain concentrated in daily necessities such as rice, vegetables, and meat, while global oil volatility, Middle East supply disruptions, and the depreciation of the peso have further compounded domestic supply challenges. She also noted that the Philippines ranked second-highest in inflation among ASEAN countries in April 2026, with May inflation projected between 7.1% and 7.9%.

Usec. Edillon said the government is responding through immediate relief measures and long-term reforms, including support for vulnerable sectors, transport and household cost interventions, digital transformation, agricultural productivity programs, ease of doing business reforms, and efforts to attract investments and generate sustainable jobs.

Dr. Cabiles also discussed how inflation affects government spending, borrowing costs, household expenses, and consumer behavior, noting that rising prices have shifted spending from non-essentials to essentials. The forum also tackled El Niño preparedness, climate-resilient agriculture, fertilizer assistance, irrigation support, crop insurance, and other measures to cushion the impact of inflation on farmers, fisherfolk, businesses, and Filipino households.

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READ FROM Top News Asia: Kapihan sa Manila Hotel Tackles Rising Prices, Food Security, and Energy Challenges

“Inflation: Presyo, Presyon, at Pagkilos — Government Experts Discuss Solutions for Juan Dela Cruz”

Kapihan sa Manila Hotel Tackles Rising Prices, Food Security, and Energy Challenges

The current state of inflation in the Philippines took center stage during the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel held on June 3, 2026 at the Roma Salon of The Manila Hotel, bringing together key government economic officials to discuss the latest inflation developments and measures to help Filipinos cope with rising costs.

The discussion featured Hon. Rosemarie G. Edillon, Undersecretary of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev); Dr. Neil Adrian S. Cabiles, Assistant Secretary of the Office of the Chief Economist of the Department of Finance; and Ms. Rachel C. Lacsa, Assistant National Statistician of the Economic Sector Statistics Service of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The forum was moderated by former Senator Atty. Joey Lina, with former Communications Secretary Sec. Sonny Coloma.

Rachel Lacsa explained that inflation is measured through the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks changes in the prices of goods and services commonly consumed by households. She noted that monitoring accurate data remains crucial in understanding price movements and guiding government policies.

She emphasized that the PSA continues to enhance its data analytics systems, with national and local agencies using updated information to improve forecasting and provide timely economic responses.

According to the economic officials, the current drivers of inflation include the rising cost of personal transport operations, utilities and housing, and food prices.

Rosemarie Edillon explained that transportation costs remain a challenge, especially as many islands continue to rely heavily on diesel fuel. Rising electricity costs also contribute to pressure on household expenses.

Food inflation remains another major concern, with extreme heat and agricultural disruptions affecting supply. The damage to irrigation systems in Pampanga during the first quarter was cited as one of the factors that affected agricultural production and added pressure on food prices.

Dr. Neil Cabiles said that while real interest rates remain relatively stable, the increase in the cost of living is being felt through higher prices of essential goods and services.

The discussion also highlighted the role of both government and citizens in addressing inflation. Edillon encouraged consumers to consider practical adjustments, including choosing more affordable alternatives when available and being mindful of consumption.

On energy concerns, possible measures such as compressed work schedules, work-from-home arrangements, and carpooling were discussed as ways to reduce fuel demand.

For agriculture, the government continues to explore interventions such as fertilizer support, including alternative solutions like biofertilizers, while also looking into assistance for farmers affected by rising production costs.

The panel also tackled the importance of strengthening energy security. Atty. Joey Lina raised the need to accelerate the development of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power to lessen dependence on imported fuel.

Cabiles said the government remains open to more partnerships and foreign investments in the energy sector, while the Department of Energy continues to push green energy initiatives and improve renewable energy development.

The discussion also touched on challenges in expanding solar power, including permitting processes and market adjustments. The government is working on streamlining approvals for renewable projects and encouraging measures such as net metering to help households participate in clean energy solutions.

On food security, Lina asked if backyard gardening and school-based vegetable programs could help ease food pressures. Cabiles said various initiatives already exist but need stronger implementation and renewed participation.

As inflation continues to affect daily life, the Kapihan highlighted the need for stronger forecasting, faster government action, energy diversification, agricultural support, and cooperation from consumers.

“Action is now,” Edillon stressed, emphasizing that preparing for possible economic challenges requires early and coordinated solutions./ Grace Bondad Nicolas

READ: At last week’s special Kapihan sa Manila Prince Hotel, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla, and Special Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad (ret.), presented a comprehensive maritime defense strategy.

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The old image of warfare — heavily armed troops marching into battle — is being replaced by algorithmic combat, machine-led reconnaissance, robotic assaults, and soldiers enhanced by exoskeletons, wearable technology that pushes the limits of human endurance.

With increasingly complex challenges in the West Philippine Sea and beyond, the new Filipino warriors will inherit a security environment unlike any faced by previous generations.

READ MORE: Preparing the Filipino warrior for a new kind of battlefield
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𝗞𝗔𝗣𝗜𝗛𝗔𝗡 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦: The Current Status of Inflation in the Philippines: How Are Rising Prices Affecting Every Filipino?

As inflation remains a pressing concern for households, workers, businesses, and communities across the country, Kapihan sa Manila Hotel will hold a timely discussion on the latest developments on inflation in the Philippines, the government’s measures to curb rising prices, and the outlook for the daily cost of living of Juan dela Cruz.

Our honored guests:

HON. ROSEMARIE G. EDILLON
Undersecretary, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development

Usec. Edillon helps lead the formulation and monitoring of the Philippine Development Plan, the government’s blueprint for policies, programs, and projects over the medium term. She also provides technical advice on policy issues to both the legislative and executive branches of government.

DR. NEIL ADRIAN S. CABILES
Assistant Secretary, Office of the Chief Economist, Department of Finance

Dr. Cabiles provides strategic policy recommendations to the Secretary of Finance, engages stakeholders on economic and fiscal issues, and conducts macroeconomic surveillance and analyses. He previously served as Alternate Executive Director at the World Bank Group and represented the Government of the Philippines at the WBG.

Hosted by:

ATTY. JOEY LINA
Former Senator

SEC. SONNY COLOMA
Former Communications Secretary

Catch the discussion on June 3, 2026, Wednesday, 8:30 AM via Facebook Live.

Stay tuned!

LOOK: As tensions continue in the West Philippine Sea, senior officials from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) called for a stronger, whole-of-nation approach to defending the country’s sovereign rights at sea.

At the Special Kapihan sa Manila Prince Hotel, hosted by former Senator Atty. Joey Lina and former Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan, AFP Spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth A. Padilla, and Special Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea RADM Roy Vincent T. Trinidad PN(Ret.)(Res.) discussed the country’s maritime defense posture, capability-building efforts, international cooperation, and public awareness initiatives.

Admiral Gavan highlighted the PCG’s three lines of effort: maritime domain awareness and response, coastal state administration, and international cooperation. He also shared the government’s commitment to fund 56 additional ships for the PCG over the next five years, alongside efforts to strengthen WPS awareness among young Filipinos.

Colonel Padilla discussed the AFP’s expanded domains of operation, including cyber and cognitive warfare, as well as modernization efforts under the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept. She also warned against AI-driven disinformation and called for stronger anti-espionage laws.

RADM Trinidad traced the continuing WPS challenge to decades of illegal presence, reclamation, and militarization, stressing that the government’s response must use military, diplomatic, legal, and informational tools.

The forum also tackled support for Filipino fishermen, the development of Pag-asa Island, and the need to make WPS sovereignty a key national issue toward the 2028 elections.

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LOOK: Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, and AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad outlined the government’s latest diplomatic, military, and maritime initiatives in the West Philippine Sea as tensions continue in the disputed waters at the "Kapihan sa Manila Prince" forum on Friday.