SLOW GDP, WAKE-UP CALL: Corruption and Delays Drag Economy to Weakest Growth Since 2021

MANILA, Philippines (Politikanta Minute) —
The Philippines’ economy expanded by only 4% in the third quarter, the slowest since the 3.8% contraction in early 2021.

According to PCCI President Enunina Mangio, this is a “wake-up call” for government to address corruption and inefficiencies across sectors.
Micro and small enterprises continue to struggle, manufacturers face rising costs, and agriculture remains underfunded.

FPI Chair Elizabeth Lee noted that typhoons, rising prices, and the ongoing flood control corruption scandal have all shaken investor confidence.
Government spending slowed down as projects were reviewed for irregularities — delaying both relief and recovery.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, however, insisted that the slowdown is temporary, part of a “major government cleanup” before a 2026 rebound.
Recto added that funds will now focus on “education, healthcare, and digitalization” instead of questionable capital projects.

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While business groups welcomed the anti-corruption stance, many Filipinos remain skeptical, saying:

“How can we talk about growth when the same people keep getting richer — even during a slowdown?”