Good morning. A dry spell is turning into an expensive problem. El Niño has affected over 451,000 Filipinos, with ₱5.6 billion in agricultural losses. Today, we unpack the inflation threat, why more families consider themselves poor, and Meralco’s new rates. There’s quite a lot to catch up on this Thursday.

Stay Sharp.

What happened: A very strong El Niño is worsening dry conditions nationwide, putting more pressure on aging water systems and communities already facing unreliable supplies.

By the numbers: As of October 11, 451,889 people were affected, with agricultural losses reaching ₱5.6 billion. Some 107 areas have declared a state of calamity.

Why it matters: Economists warn prolonged drought could drive food, water, and energy prices higher. PAGASA expects El Niño to persist through the first half of 2027.

Local response: Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, is preparing a ₱30-million solar facility and has built a 40,000-cubic-meter water reservoir.

Bottom line: The drought is testing both infrastructure and the country's preparedness.

Philippine inflation could climb above 8% as a severe El Niño threatens agricultural output and raises food prices, adding pressure to household budgets. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported inflation at 7.2% in September 2026, up from 6.1% in August. The potential increase would complicate efforts to stabilize prices and protect consumers.

PH FDI Reaches Six-Month High in July

Foreign direct investment net inflows into the Philippines reached $689 million in July 2026, the highest in six months, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. However, inflows were down 44.1% from $1.23 billion a year earlier. January-to-July net inflows totaled $4.07 billion, 23.9% lower year on year, reflecting weaker investment flows.

ERC Approves BKS Green Solar Transmission Facility

The Energy Regulatory Commission approved BKS Green Energy Corp.’s transmission facility for its 33.831-megawatt-peak Limbauan Solar Project Phase 2 in Isabela. The ₱260.66-million facility includes a 4.4-kilometer transmission line connecting the plant to the national grid. The solar project has generated about 40,500 megawatt-hours since December 2025, supporting renewable electricity supply.

55% of Filipino Families Consider Themselves Poor

A Social Weather Stations survey found that 55% of Filipino families considered themselves poor in September 2026, up from 49% in June. The result represents an estimated 16.8 million families. Self-rated food poverty also rose to 44% from 36%, while the median monthly budget poor families said they needed to avoid poverty increased to ₱15,000.

Machong Chismisan hosts Makoy Pare and Tito P apologized after backlash over remarks mocking Josh Aquino, removed the episode, and addressed the persons with disabilities community in a public statement. (Read more)

Reese Witherspoon Reclaims Stake in Hello Sunshine

Reese Witherspoon and Mediawan are acquiring Hello Sunshine from Candle Media, returning Witherspoon to an ownership role as the production company joins Mediawan’s expanding international network of entertainment studios and labels. (Read More)

Predator League Qualifiers Offer ₱1 Million

Acer’s Predator League 2027 Philippine qualifiers offer ₱1 million across VALORANT and League of Legends, with ₱500,000 per game; champions advance to the Asia-Pacific finals in Vietnam in January 2027. (Read More)

What happened: The Energy Regulatory Commission approved Meralco’s first rate reset in over 10 years. Its new regulated distribution rate is ₱1.48 per kilowatt-hour, 10% higher than the current level.

The catch: That’s still 37% below what Meralco requested. The decision gives the company clearer rules for earning returns on its power distribution business.

For consumers: Removing the 12% VAT on allowable system-loss charges could reduce electricity bills by an estimated 0.7%.

For investors: AB Capital kept its “Outperform” rating but lowered its share price target from ₱690 to ₱670, reflecting the approved rate.

Bottom line: AB Capital sees a clearer outlook for Meralco, although political pressure to keep electricity prices low remains a risk.

In collaboration with AB Capital Securities. This section is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Please conduct your own research or consult a licensed professional before making investment decisions.

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