Business groups are calling for tougher governance, faster digital reforms, and sustained infrastructure spending as the Philippines looks to reboot growth in 2026 after the economy slowed to 3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Business leaders warned that the recovery window is narrow and hinges on avoiding policy disruptions, improving accountability, and ensuring public funds translate into real economic activity.
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry expects momentum to return in the first quarter of 2026, but said recovery efforts must move beyond short-term stimulus and emergency fixes.
PCCI President Perry Ferrer said structural reforms are now essential, including the use of blockchain technology in crafting and executing the 2026 national budget to strengthen transparency and public trust.
Under the proposal, every peso spent would be digitally recorded, receipted, and made tamper-proof, reducing leakages and improving oversight across agencies and government programs nationwide.
Infrastructure delivery is also being positioned as a central growth driver, with Ferrer welcoming the Department of Public Works and Highways’ plan to set spending targets at P200 billion to P250 billion.
Priority will be given to long-delayed road repairs, maintenance works, and the completion of stalled projects, moves expected to improve connectivity, logistics efficiency, and employment across regions.
Meanwhile, the Makati Business Club said earlier economic liberalization must now be matched with deeper institutional reforms to sustain investor confidence and long-term competitiveness.
MBC Executive Director Rafael Ongpin noted that while key sectors have opened and fiscal incentives were rationalized, reforms in transparency and governance remain unfinished and urgent.
The group is pushing for the passage of the Freedom of Information bill, amendments to the Bank Secrecy Law, and a more transparent national budget process.
Ongpin added that ease of doing business reforms must be fully implemented, with digitalization at the agency and local government levels accelerated through one-window portals and integrated platforms.
Business leaders said these measures are critical to restoring confidence and unlocking inclusive growth nationwide.
