Citibank Philippines CEO Paul Favila has challenged the government to move beyond piecemeal digitalization, warning that the national ID’s limited acceptance online and persistent paper-based procedures are undermining the country’s digital transformation.
Foreign business groups are urging the Philippine government to speed up economic reforms, warning that slow implementation of existing laws could weaken the country’s competitiveness and limit investment opportunities.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has granted P149.35 million in tax relief to 2,379 micro taxpayers in three months, as participation in its one-time tax abatement program accelerates ahead of the Dec. 31, 2026 deadline.
Philippine merchandise exports could hit a record USD100 billion in 2026, up from about USD84 billion last year, as surging electronics shipments and a possible mineral export recovery offset risks from US tariff policies.
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) remains cautiously optimistic about business prospects despite rising costs, governance concerns and political controversies, urging the government to restore investor confidence and accelerate reforms.