Benise Balaoing

The facade of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on February 15, 2024. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Bangko Sentral

ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) raised interest rates by 25 basis points in its latest policy meeting as inflation remained elevated.The BSP raised the target reverse repurchase rate to 5 percent. July inflation has eased to 6.2 percent from 7.2 percent in April, but this number is still one of the highest in recent years.The central bank noted that oil prices remain volatile despite easing headline inflation.&quot;The possible impact of severe El Niño conditions on agricultural prices pose further upside risks to inflation,&quot; the BSP said. &quot;Potential wage adjustments also warrant close monitoring.&quot;Assistant Governor Rogelio Mercado said BSP now expects inflation to grow by 6.1 percent in 2026. Director Lara Romina Ganapin said inflation may peak around the fourth quarter of this year, then it will start to ease.Central Bank Governor Eli Remolona said, however, that he hopes that the country won’t need another rate hike.“Today&#x27;s rate hike was a preemptive move because of risks that we anticipate, including including the risk of another new event on food prices and the risk of of further minimum wage increases,” he explained.Asked what would make the Bangko Sentral pause or hold rate hikes, Remolona said, the BSP would pause “as soon as we’re confident that the inflation rate will move towards a target of 3 percent.”“We&#x27;re even looking beyond just the oil price, the oil prices that which have been going up and down. We&#x27;re looking at other factors as well. They’ve become more prominent than before,” he said.

The Bangko Sentral raised interest rates in its latest policy meeting as inflation remained elevated.

The Bangko Sentral raised interest rates in its latest policy meeting as inflation remained elevated.

BSP hikes rates amid high inflation

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Business

BSP hikes rates amid high inflation

Benise Balaoing,

ABS-CBN News

Published August 27, 2026 02:42 PM PHT

|

Updated August 27, 2026 04:38 PM PHT

Read More:

Bangko Sentral

interest rates

inflation

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription. If you don’t see it, please check your spam or junk folder.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.