Finance Secretary Ralph Recto assured business leaders on Thursday the government is committed to safeguarding investments, cutting red tape and promoting a business-friendly environment to drive national growth.
In his message delivered during the Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) in Cebu City on Sept. 18, 2025, Recto emphasized that the government is actively working to “make it easier, faster, and more profitable to do business in the Philippines.”
He highlighted the government’s focus on transparency and good governance as key to building investor confidence.
The briefing, which drew more than 500 participants, marks the start of a nationwide PEB roadshow that includes venues in Luzon and Mindanao.
Recto pointed to the country’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals—including 5.9 percent average growth since 2022, low inflation and recent credit rating upgrades—as evidence of a resilient economy.
He also noted that Central Visayas has been the fastest growing regional economy over the last two years, expanding at 7.3 percent annually.
Among the reforms Recto cited were the CREATE MORE Act, the PPP Code, the Ease of Paying Taxes Act, and the ongoing push for a general tax amnesty.
These measures, Recto said, are designed to attract foreign investment, support local enterprises, and simplify compliance.
The secretary also underscored the government’s Build, Better More infrastructure program, which includes 207 flagship projects—11 of which are in the Visayas.
Urging Cebu’s business community to help spread economic dynamism across the Philippines, Recto said “the next chapter of Philippine growth is not just a story of Manila and Cebu, but a story written by every island.”
The briefing was attended by business leaders, including Jokin Aboitiz of Aboitiz Power Enerzones and Jay Yuvallos of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce, along with national and local government officials. — Marlon Magtira
