President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday said the Philippines economy expects to grow by 6 percent in the next quarters, placing it among the best-performing economies in the ASEAN region.
The Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 5.4 percent in the first quarter of 2025 despite rising global volatilities.
“We are confident that we will achieve a six percent GDP growth target in the coming quarters, driven by steady fiscal consolidation, easing inflation, and progress in trade negotiations with key partners, among other initiatives,” the President said during the Vin d’Honneur reception in Malacañang as part of the 127th Independence Day celebrations.
“The forecast is supported by the IMF World Economic Outlook in April 2025, which similarly painted a rosy projection for the Philippines to be the fastest-growing economy among ASEAN-5 countries in 2025,” the President told members of the diplomatic corps, Cabinet officials, and business leaders.
President Marcos said the expected GDP growth is a sign of sustained economic momentum with policy reforms and international partnerships as key drivers of the Philippines’ improving investment climate.
The Chief Executive underscored the government’s ongoing efforts to attract both local and foreign investors by enhancing economic policies and streamlining regulatory procedures.
Among the major reforms highlighted were the enactment of the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act (CMEPA) and the CREATE MORE Act, which were designed to provide tax incentives and flexible investment terms aimed at stimulating long-term growth.
The President also said the newly signed directive strengthening coordination among investment facilitation agencies manifests the country’s resolve to seriously end red tape, improve the ease of doing business, and make the Philippines a more attractive destination for investors.
President Marcos also credited the country’s improved standing in the international financial community, including the Philippines’ recent removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) “grey list,” as a signal of renewed investor confidence.
The President also credited these gains in part to close cooperation with diplomatic partners and multilateral institutions, noting that international support remains vital as the Philippines continues its post-pandemic recovery.
“On inflation, I am proud to announce that the inflation rate dropped to 1.3% in May 2025 —which is the lowest since November 2019,” President Marcos noted.
“This is a very encouraging development, not only as it creates a stable and predictable economic environment for businesses, but also because it increases the purchasing power of individuals and of households, especially low-income families,” the President added. | PND
