Marcos economy gets business nod (First of 2 parts)

Halfway through his six-year term, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s economic agenda is viewed as a bright spot by the country's most influential business groups, which cite his strong leadership in driving economic growth and keeping inflation at bay.

- By DEXTER BARRO II

Marcos, son of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos Sr., assumed the country's top seat on June 30, 2022, after garnering a landslide victory with over 31 million votes, more than double his closest rival.

Running on a message of unity, the President was faced with an insurmountable challenge of lifting the economy, still reeling from the ruinous impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

During his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa Complex on July 25, 2022, Marcos laid the groundwork for the economic policies his administration would undertake until 2028.

In his speech, Marcos vowed to implement sound fiscal management, temper rising inflation, and push the momentum of economic growth forward, among many other promises.

Three years onward, business groups interviewed by Manila Bulletin commended the President for staying true to his economic commitments.

The Makati Business Club (MBC), which comprises the country's leading business executives, said the administration, headed by Marcos’ economic team, performed strongly to achieve some of the President’s most urgent ambitions for the economy.