By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Senior Reporter
THE National Government (NG) debt as a share of gross domestic product (GDP) rose to 65.2% at the end of the first quarter, the highest ratio since 2005, data from the Bureau of the Treasury showed.
The increase came as outstanding debt climbed by 1.8% to P18.49 trillion as of end-March from P18.16 trillion at the end of February, while economic growth slowed sharply.
Philippine GDP expanded by 2.8% in the first three months of 2026, the weakest pace since the pandemic, as the oil shock dampens consumer spending and stokes inflation.
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