Energy & Inflation Watch: Diesel and kerosene prices are set to rise again starting June 9 as the DOE eases price-adjustment rules, with DOE ranges pointing to up to P5.77/liter for diesel and P8.10/liter for kerosene, while gasoline may swing either way. Regional Prices: Central Visayas inflation stayed at 10.8% in May, driven mainly by food (15.2%) and transport (21.9%). Power Procurement: Retail electricity aggregation is gaining traction as firms like Cathay Land consolidate multiple connection points under the DOE’s RAP to access more competitive retail power and better manage costs. Finance & Payments: The IMF warned Philippine retail transaction fees are higher than regional peers due to fragmented payment infrastructure, highlighting cross-settlement frictions between InstaPay and PESONet. Trade Policy Shock: The USTR proposed additional Section 301 tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 economies over forced-labor concerns; Malacañang says it opposes forced labor and is reviewing the findings. Labor Market: DOLE will roll out “Trabaho Agad” job fairs across 55 sites from June 10 to June 12, targeting 95,000+ vacancies. Disaster Response & Business Continuity: After a 7.8 quake hit Mindanao, malls in General Santos temporarily suspended operations for safety checks; PCSO and local governments mobilized aid, while insurers said losses are “unquantifiable” at this stage. Aviation Disruption: General Santos International Airport operations were temporarily suspended pending technical inspections. Digital Skills Gap: An ADB study found the Philippines has the lowest digital skills demand among six APAC economies, though the gap is narrowing. Retail Expansion: Marks & Spencer is returning to the Philippines via a new franchise deal with PT Mitra Adiperkasa, with a first store planned in Makati by end-2026.