Business Leaders Want More Changes to Governance
A major Filipino-Chinese business group asked the government to take action to improve governance and support long-term economic growth. The group made it clear that openness is still very important for staying competitive. People said that institutional reforms were needed right away.
The business leaders stressed that the trust of investors depends a lot on the honesty of the government. Weak institutions make people less likely to make long-term investments. Strong governance was seen as a basis for the economy.
Source: FFCCCII
Push for Independent Anti-Corruption Body
The group asked for the creation of an independent anti-corruption agency that would not be influenced by politics. It mentioned successful models from other countries that have been used in Singapore and Hong Kong. People said that these kinds of agencies made people more trusting and responsible.
The group says that corruption hurts competition and makes people less trusting of the government. When integrity systems don’t work, businesses have a hard time. It was said that strong oversight is necessary for long-term growth.
Digitalization Seen As Key To Transparency
The group called for faster digitalization of government transactions between departments and agencies. Digital platforms let you keep track of your budget in real time and make the buying process clear. These systems make it harder for people to be corrupt.
They said that digital transparency makes it easier for civil society and private auditors to get involved. Data that is easy to get to makes public oversight work better. It was said that technology was a strong tool for governance.
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National ID System to Support Financial Inclusion
The group stressed how important it is to fully use the National ID system. A working digital identity makes it easier to get banking and other financial services. Inclusion makes it easier for people to take part in the economy.
They said that streamlined identification makes it easier for underserved communities to get what they need. Financial inclusion helps entrepreneurs and small businesses grow. Digital systems were seen as a way to make things fair.
Improving Ease of Doing Business Urged
The group also asked for less red tape that makes it hard for businesses to do business. Complicated rules make it more expensive to follow them and make people less likely to invest. Streamlined processes draw in money from both inside and outside the country.
They said that clear rules help small, medium, and micro businesses all over the country. Companies can focus on growth when compliance is easier. Efficiency in business directly helps create jobs.
Reforms Linked to Employment Generation
Business leaders said that changes would help make more good jobs available across the country. Investment inflows lead to more hiring in many industries. More jobs means more money for families.
They said that slow changes could make it harder for the job market to grow. Bureaucratic delays make it harder for entrepreneurs to do business. The stability of the workforce was related to the efficiency of governance.
Economic Slowdown Highlights Reform Urgency
The Philippines’ economy grew only four percent in the third quarter of 2025. Weaker performance was partly due to less spending on infrastructure. Flood control problems made things go even slower.
The group said that changes are necessary to keep the economy from staying weak for a long time. Digitalization and good governance can help people trust again. Structural improvements were presented as timely actions.
