World Bank cuts Phl 2025 growth outlook to 5.1%

The World Bank has cut its economic growth projection for the Philippines to 5.1 percent for 2025, marking its second downgrade this year amid weaker investment activity, soft external demand and recent domestic disruptions.

- By ALDEN MONZON

The economy may grow by only 5.1 percent this year due to weak business confidence, lower foreign investments and weather disruptions.

In a report, the multilateral lender said that growth this year has been weighed down by lower local investments, weak business confidence, a sharp decline in foreign direct investments, as well as typhoonand flood-related shocks that have delayed public projects.

The World Bank said the slowdown has also been reflected in softer services exports, driven by weaker global demand for business services and fewer tourist arrivals.

Earlier in April, the bank lowered its forecast to 5.3 percent from 6.1 percent, and kept that projection unchanged in its June and October updates.