By THEPHILBIZNEWS STAFF
Top policymakers, regulatory chiefs, respected economists, and senior business leaders from Europe and the Philippines delivered a unified assessment of the country’s macroeconomic prospects, investment potential, and evolving risks as the Philippines approaches 2026.
Their insights anchored the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines’ (ECCP) 2026 Philippine Economic Outlook, held at the Dusit Thani Manila, where discussions centered on growth trends, investor confidence, and the country’s continued economic resilience.
ECCP: Philippines Positioned for Sustained Growth
In his opening remarks, ECCP President Paulo Duarte stressed the importance of pairing optimism with a clear-eyed understanding of existing challenges. While acknowledging global headwinds, he underscored why the Philippines continues to stand out as one of Southeast Asia’s stronger growth stories.
“The Philippines is projected to remain one of the region’s faster-growing economies—supported by a young workforce, resilient remittances, and sustained investments in infrastructure and social services,” Duarte said. He added that addressing structural gaps and uncertainties will be key to unlocking the country’s full economic potential.
Regulatory Confidence: SEC Pledges Predictability
SEC Chair Francis Edralin Lim outlined the regulator’s priorities for strengthening capital markets. He reiterated that strong investor confidence hinges on clarity, consistency, and effective enforcement.
“Momentum alone is not enough. Foreign investors need a regulatory environment that is clear, efficient, and trustworthy,” Lim noted. Amid pressing governance issues, he emphasized that the SEC will continue positioning itself as a “beacon of certainty and trust”—a vital anchor for investment inflows.
BSP: Stable Macroeconomic Fundamentals Support Outlook
BSP Managing Director Dennis D. Lapid provided the monetary policy backdrop, affirming that the inflation outlook remains favorable and provides room for calibrated easing in 2026. While sentiment has softened in recent quarters, he pointed to strong external buffers and a resilient banking sector supporting domestic activity.
“The BSP remains committed to safeguarding the economy’s resilience against both global and domestic headwinds,” Lapid said.
ADB and ING: Demographics, Reforms, and Digitalization Fuel Medium-Term Prospects
Meanwhile, ADB Philippines Country Director Andrew Jeffries highlighted the long-term growth anchors—robust infrastructure investment, climate resilience, and human capital development—all critical in elevating the Philippines’ regional competitiveness.
From the investor and banking perspective, ING Bank N.V. Country Manager Jun Palanca described the Philippines as well-positioned for medium-term expansion.
He pointed to the country’s sound fundamentals, growing digital economy, and S&P’s reaffirmation of its BBB+ rating with a positive outlook as strong indicators of investor confidence. He cautioned, however, that governance risks and reform execution remain crucial in sustaining momentum.
ECCP Business Sentiment Survey: Confidence Remains High
A key highlight of the event was the launch of the 2025 ECCP Business Sentiment Survey, capturing insights from 24 sector committees. Despite global unpredictability, survey data revealed:
Strong confidence in the Philippines’ 2026 growth prospects
Continued investment intentions across manufacturing, services, energy, infrastructure, and technology
Concerns over governance, policy clarity, and supply-side constraints, but with optimism that ongoing reforms can offset these risks
ECCP said the survey results will guide its policy advocacy and government engagements in 2026.
Cross-Sector Panel: Opportunities Despite Global Uncertainty
A high-level panel featuring representatives from Deloitte Philippines, BSP, ADB, and ING delved into the macroeconomic landscape, investment flows, and emerging growth drivers. Experts agreed that while global uncertainty remains a defining feature of 2026, the Philippines’ underlying fundamentals, demographic strengths, and reform trajectory signal continued and sustainable growth.
PH Outlook: Cautious but Confident
Across all discussions, a central theme emerged: the Philippines’ resilience and growth narrative remains intact. ECCP emphasized the need for sustained structural reforms, predictable regulations, and proactive policymaking to maintain the country’s competitiveness amid rising global challenges.
Through its 2026 Philippine Economic Outlook, the ECCP reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Philippines in building a more competitive, resilient, and investment-ready business environment—one where European and Philippine companies can grow together.