The peso’s purchasing power hit another record-breaking low in March 2026.
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According to the latest data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority on April 7, the purchasing power of ₱1 is now at 0.75 centavos, based on 2018 prices.
A lower purchasing power means that you can buy fewer goods with the same amount. With this, the value of ₱1,000 in 2018 is now equivalent to only ₱750 in 2026.
Moreover, the PSA reported that the country’s inflation rate increased to 4.1% in March 2026, a significant jump from the 2.4% recorded in February 2026.
This price shock can be attributed in part to the ongoing war in the Middle East, which has seen an accelerated increase in the cost of essentials, including fuel.
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