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.
The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has named JG Summit Holdings Inc. President and CEO Lance Y. Gokongwei and PHINMA Corporation President and COO Dr. Chito B. Salazar as its 2026 Management Persons of the Year, recognizing their contributions to corporate transformation, education and inclusive economic growth.
The Department of Finance (DOF) is pursuing lower remittance costs and faster access to development financing, targeting transaction expenses that weigh on Filipino households and administrative delays that can slow government programs.
FAST Logistics Group is looking to expand its presence in Cebu following its return to the Chiongbian family, sharpening its focus on the province as a base for strengthening supply chains and helping local businesses reach markets nationwide.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed finance and investment veteran Victor Alfonso Limlingan as president and chief executive officer of the Social Security System (SSS), effective October 16, 2026, placing loan expansion and pension fund investment performance at the center of his incoming agenda.