The Central Bank of the Philippines published its month-ahead inflation forecast, projecting January 2026 inflation to fall within a 1.4 to 2.2 percent range. Upward price pressures are expected from higher prices of major food items such as rice and fish, increased domestic fuel costs, the annual adjustment in excise taxes for alcohol and tobacco, higher water and toll rates, and peso depreciation. These factors may be partly offset by lower electricity charges in Meralco-serviced areas and stabilizing vegetable prices. The central bank will continue to monitor domestic and international developments affecting the inflation and growth outlook as part of its data-dependent approach to monetary policy.