We are elated with the local stock market’s record-breaking run on the final trading day for 2017 when it closed at 8,558.42.

The performance of the Philippine shares reflects the growing business and investor confidence on the Duterte administration. Optimism is likewise demonstrated in the record-breaking Board of Investments (BOI)-approved investments and manufacturing growth of 9.4% creating a good momentum for the economy as we enter a new year filled with brighter prospects.

The signing of the much-awaited Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act further adds to this bright outlook as additional revenues would bankroll the Administration’s economic agenda by ramping out investments in infrastructure to spur growth in the rest of the country.

Let us therefore continue to sustain the pace of our economic growth by improving governance and setting aside politics that tends to divide the nation.