PH draws investment despite graft problem

Despite deepening corruption scandals, the Philippines continues to attract foreign investments, supported by the private sector and international partners, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) said.

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"With a whole-of-government approach and with the strong support of the private sector, the Philippines is becoming more ready for business and poised to attract greater investments," said ARTA Secretary Ernesto Perez during ARTA's 2025 year-end media conference on Friday, Nov. 21.

"Even though there are bad news about corruption, about flood control projects, money that have been stolen, we continue to engage with our stakeholders," he added.

Perez shared that at a Nordic Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (NordCham) event held this month—which brought together ambassadors and business groups from Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway—the Nordic countries, known for their strong emphasis on integrity and transparency, expressed continued confidence in the Philippines, saying they "remain positive about the Philippines."

"They continue to engage with us because they have businesses here that have been in existence for years—sometimes a hundred years already," he added, noting that they plan to expand due to their confidence in the Filipino people.