By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – Malacañang on Tuesday expressed confidence that the Philippines remains a strong investment destination, citing continued trust from foreign investors who value the government’s efforts to fight corruption and uphold public interest.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro cited the Marcos administration’s ongoing anti-corruption efforts as a key factor in maintaining trust from the international business community.
Responding to a media query about how the Philippines’ image is being affected in light of foreign interest and investment prospects, Castro acknowledged that corruption issues may have “some effect” on investor perception.
“Definitely po, kahit papano po ay magkakaroon ito ng epekto (this will have some effect),” Castro said.
“But marami po sa investors na mas gugustuhin po nila na ang gobyerno ay lumalaban sa korapsyon. Mas gugustuhin po nila na ipinaglalaban ng gobyerno ang karapatan ng taumbayan (many investors would prefer a government that actively fights corruption and upholds the rights of the people),” she added.
She emphasized that many foreign investors still prefer to work with a government committed to good governance.
Castro noted that the government’s stance against corruption sends a strong signal of stability and accountability to potential investors, reinforcing the country’s long-term attractiveness for foreign capital and partnerships.
“So, with that, mas mananatili siguro ang tiwala nila sa Pilipinas para dito mag-invest (their trust in the Philippines as an investment destination will likely remain),” she said. (PNA)
