Try GOLD - Free
Corruption slows economic growth
Manila Bulletin
|December 6, 2025
Lingering corruption issues in the Philippines could push economic growth below five percent in 2025 and 2026, according to the Washington-based Institute of International Finance (IIF).
In a Dec. 4 report, a copy of which was obtained by Manila Bulletin, the IIF slashed its gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecasts for the Philippines to 4.7 percent for 2025 and 4.8 percent for 2026.
As Manila Bulletin reported in June, the global financial industry association had projected Philippine growth at 5.5 percent this year and 5.6 percent next year—weaker than last year's 5.7 percent.
The IIF's downgraded projections are well below the government's already downscaled targets of 5.5 to 6.5 percent for 2025 and six to seven percent for 2026.
Among the eight Asia-Pacific emerging markets (EMs) covered by the IIF report, its growth forecasts for the Philippines were surpassed by Vietnam, India, Indonesia, and China.
Vietnam, for instance, is seen leading the region with projected economic growth of 7.9 percent in 2025 and 7.1 percent in 2026.
This story is from the December 6, 2025 edition of Manila Bulletin.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Manila Bulletin
Manila Bulletin
More Omoda and Jaecoo models to come
Testing future models in China
3 mins
December 12, 2025
Manila Bulletin
Paredes welcomes Philippine delegation
Ambassador Millicent Cruz Paredes expressed support and opened the Philippine Embassy doors to Team Philippines in its campaign in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
1 min
December 12, 2025
Manila Bulletin
Country or personal gain? Congress has to make a choice
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s call for Congress to prioritize four explosive reform measures-the Anti-Dynasty Bill, the Independent People's Commission Act, the Party-list System Reform Act, and the CADENA transparency law-marks one of the boldest rhetorical strikes against the country's entrenched political order.
2 mins
December 12, 2025
Manila Bulletin
Mayor Isko announces 243.4-M payout to PWDs, solo parents, seniors
Manila City Mayor Francisco \"Isko Moreno\" Domagoso announced on Wednesday, Dec. 10, the rollout of P243.4 million in social assistance for persons with disabilities (PWDs), solo parents, and senior citizens listed under the Department of Social Welfare and Development's social pension program.
1 mins
December 12, 2025
Manila Bulletin
PH, US armed forces flex interoperability prowess
Filipino and American soldiers flexed their muscles anew in terms of interoperability in maritime operations in the recent military exercises in the West Philippine Sea.
1 min
December 12, 2025
Manila Bulletin
Thailand reports first civilian deaths in renewed border conflict with Cambodia
(AP) - Three Thai civilians were killed as heavy combat continued along the country's border with Cambodia, the Thai military said Thursday, marking the country's first civilian fatalities since the fighting resumed.
3 mins
December 12, 2025
Manila Bulletin
Born of the sea
Homegrown brand Habilé turns the tensions in the West Philippine Sea into a collection that honors fishermen and the richness of the ocean
2 mins
December 12, 2025
Manila Bulletin
Proper support for Filipino workforce pushed
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. believes that Filipinos can keep up with the changing workforce landscape if given the right support and opportunities.
2 mins
December 12, 2025
Manila Bulletin
HDO vs Atong Ang eyed
The Department of Justice (DOJ) may seek the issuance by the court of a hold-departure order (HDO) to prevent businessman Charlie \"Atong\"
1 mins
December 12, 2025
Manila Bulletin
Dy, Sandro file anti-political dynasty bill
House Speaker Faustino \"Bojie\" Dy III and presidential son Ilocos Norte first district Rep. Sandro Marcos have jointly penned and filed their version of the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act.
2 mins
December 12, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size