The Philippine government is moving to translate the World Bank’s Public Finance Review into concrete fiscal reforms, with economic officials stressing that better tax collection and spending will matter only if recommendations result in measurable improvements for citizens.
The Philippine government said it will act on recommendations from the World Bank’s latest Public Finance Review, putting a sharper focus on broadening the tax base, improving revenue collection and ensuring that public spending translates into measurable gains for Filipinos.
Accelerating power sector reforms could slash electricity prices, create more than 161,000 jobs and lift about 730,000 Filipinos out of poverty by 2030, with the World Bank arguing that lower energy costs may be one of the country's biggest catalysts for faster and more inclusive economic growth.
The World Bank Group has approved a USD268.6-million, or about P15.6-billion, water and sanitation project for the Philippines that is expected to create up to 46,500 jobs over the next 25 years while improving climate resilience in three island provinces.
Foreign business groups welcomed the Philippines' elevation to upper middle-income economy status as a strong endorsement of the country's economic progress, while urging the government to accelerate reforms needed to convert the milestone into sustained investment and long-term growth.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. has backed a proposal to declare a state of calamity to mobilize government resources against the worsening effects of El Niño, saying authorities must act quickly as forecasts point to a potentially severe climate event.
Prime Midstream expects demand for natural gas to remain strong as the Philippines faces growing electricity needs, volatile fuel prices and the challenge of balancing renewable energy growth with reliable power supply.
Japanese Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Ono Sho attended the 82nd Anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landings recently at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park, framing his presence as a gesture of friendship spanning the political, defense, economic, and diplomatic spheres.
San Miguel Corp. (SMC) has received recognition from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) for importing nearly USD370 million worth of American agricultural products in 2026, highlighting the Philippines’ importance as a market for US farm exports.