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Rising Fuel Costs Threaten Philippine Debt Amid Credit Card Surge

4/1/2026

23 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Analysts warn rising fuel costs from the Middle East conflict could deepen Filipino debt.
A regional study finds the Philippines' credit card burden at a critical risk level.
Receivables rose more than 20% annually as credit card ownership remains low.
As of September 2025, credit card receivables were 1.1 trillion pesos, up 29%, says Michael Ricafort, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation chief economist.

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Story summary

Analysts warn rising fuel costs from the Middle East conflict could deepen Filipino debt.
A regional study finds the Philippines' credit card burden at a critical risk level.
Receivables rose more than 20% annually as credit card ownership remains low.
As of September 2025, credit card receivables were 1.1 trillion pesos, up 29%, says Michael Ricafort, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation chief economist.