Bank lending would likely return to growth mode in the third quarter, with hopes pinned on further easing of pandemic restrictions and mass vaccinations to ease lingering risk aversion among lenders and borrowers.

Car sales posted a double-digit growth in May, but the auto industry is staying "on guard" amid threats of renewed lockdowns that could snap the fragile rebound.

In a briefing Monday, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the AstraZeneca vaccine doses donated by COVAX facility have been “100% distributed.”

“What we’re seeing is, it’s in the 1/3 of the country where you have difficulty for mothers’ pregnancy. The health services are more challenged."

"This will give people more time to eat in restaurants, visit malls, give them more time to travel, and help the economy," Abalos said in a briefing.