Firms brace for cautious hiring, expansion plansResults of the fourth quarter 2025 Business Expectations Survey (BES) showed that while firms may continue to hire in early 2026, the pace is expected to moderate. Results of the fourth quarter 2025 Business Expectations Survey (BES) showed that while firms may continue to hire in early 2026, the pace is expected to moderate. In contrast, hiring intentions over the next 12 months remained broadly stable. For the first quarter, the share of firms planning to expand declined to 13.6 percent from 16.1 percent, while expansion plans over the next 12 months fell to 15.4 percent from 19.9 percent. Still, a slightly higher proportion of households plan to acquire real property over the next 12 months, rising to 6.2 percent from 5.6 percent.

Source: Philippine Star December 20, 2025 18:13 UTC