The Central Bank of the Philippines published preliminary data showing that loans extended by universal and commercial banks grew faster in March 2026, rising 10.7 percent year on year from a revised 9.6 percent in February. On a seasonally adjusted basis, outstanding loans increased 1.7 percent month on month, indicating stronger credit support for business activity and household consumption. Loans for business activities expanded 9.7 percent in March from 8.6 percent in February, with notable growth in real estate activities, electricity, gas, steam and air-conditioning supply, wholesale and retail trade including repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, and transportation and storage. Consumer loans to residents grew 20.5 percent, slightly below the previous month’s 20.8 percent because of slower growth in motor vehicle loans and salary-based general purpose consumption loans. Outstanding loans to residents increased 11.1 percent from a revised 10.2 percent, while outstanding loans to non-residents fell 5.9 percent after a 13.2 percent decline in February.
Central Bank of the Philippines 2026-05-11
Central Bank of the Philippines reports universal and commercial bank loan growth accelerated to 10.7 percent in March 2026
The Central Bank of the Philippines reported that loans of universal and commercial banks grew 10.7 percent year on year in March 2026, up from a revised 9.6 percent in February, with seasonally adjusted outstanding loans rising 1.7 percent month on month. Business loans expanded 9.7 percent, driven by real estate, utilities, trade and transport, while consumer loans grew 20.5 percent amid slower growth in motor vehicle and salary-based general purpose loans. Outstanding loans to residents increased 11.1 percent, whereas loans to non-residents declined 5.9 percent.