Business community maintains confidence in PH economy

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — The Philippine business community is standing firm in its confidence in the country’s economic stability despite ongoing political uncertainty, with national and local business leaders expressing unified support for the strength of economic institutions and long-term fundamentals.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) official Frank Carbon, co-chair of the Power and Energy Committee, said the business sector believes the government’s economic institutions remain capable and resilient in navigating current challenges.

“The business community firmly believes that the Philippine government has well-established institutions that are already addressing the challenges the nation faces,” Carbon said.

He added that “these agency heads are very capable of steadily steering the economy away from the political noise we are experiencing today.”

Carbon said private-sector operations will continue — and even expand — despite the political climate, noting that sustained business activity is essential to attracting foreign investors and creating jobs.

“As business leaders, we will continue to operate and expand to show confidence in the economy, and to encourage foreign investors to come in,” he added.

His statement aligns with a national declaration released Nov. 17, 2025, by major business organizations, including the PCCI, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Institute of Corporate Directors, Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines, and the Philippine Finance Association.

In their joint statement, the groups reaffirmed their confidence in the country’s economic foundations, highlighting a “well-regulated financial system, a stable banking sector, and companies that continue to invest in and believe in the Philippines.”

They stressed that institutions such as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Securities and Exchange Commission continue to operate independently and uphold global standards of regulation, market integrity, risk management and investor protection.

The organizations noted that Philippine companies have consistently shown resilience — even during global shocks such as the Global Financial Crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic — with growing revenues, stable margins and strong rebounds as conditions normalized.

Private-sector investment has also remained robust, with gross fixed capital formation ranging between 22% and 27% of GDP over the past decade and surpassing PHP 6 trillion in 2024.

However, the business community underscored the importance of governance in maintaining investor confidence.

They urged public institutions to ensure policy stability, uphold the rule of law and address corruption decisively, emphasizing that “clear guidance, consistent enforcement, and transparent decision-making are crucial to maintaining growth momentum.”

Despite national and political uncertainties, the country’s largest business groups emphasized their continued commitment to investing, expanding industries, generating jobs and strengthening the economy’s productive capacity.

“In a time of increased uncertainty, our message is clear: the private sector remains united in its belief in the Philippines’ long-term potential,” the organizations said.

Carbon echoed this sentiment, saying the coordinated stance of business organizations nationwide reflects broad and determined confidence in the country’s economic direction despite political turbulence.