Japan

Foreign direct investment net inflows climbed 26% year-on-year to $611 million in March, BSP data show, lifted by equity, reinvested earnings and debt instruments from Japan, the US and Singapore — but the figure was the lowest in two months and follows a year in which FDI slumped to a five-year low, underscoring how fragile investor confidence remains amid geopolitical and domestic political turmoil.

On the final day of President Marcos' state visit to Tokyo, the Philippines and Japan announced they are elevating their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership — the highest diplomatic tier short of a formal alliance — and formally opening negotiations on a General Security of Military Information Agreement that would enable classified intelligence-sharing between the two nations.