By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Senior Reporter
THE PHILIPPINES, over the past year, faced shock after shock that has tested its strength. From a flood control corruption scandal that shackled state spending, to geopolitical issues overseas that caused a global energy shock that continues to feed into domestic prices, these put in focus the structural vulnerabilities that continue to plague the economy.
Gross domestic product (GDP) growth slowed to 4.4% in 2025 from 5.7% in 2024 as the graft scandal weighed on confidence, dragging public and private investments in the second half of the year.
Growth weakened to 2.8% in the first quarter of 2026, and then further to 2.3% in the second quarter as the Middle East conflict added to an already long list of economic concerns.
Support authors and subscribe to content
This is premium stuff. Subscribe to read the entire article.
