By Filane Mikee Cervantes
MANILA – House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez said Thursday the Philippine economy is moving in the right direction, with recent growth translating into real gains for ordinary Filipinos.
In a statement, Romualdez said the 5.4 percent gross domestic product (GDP) expansion posted in the first quarter of 2025 translates to more opportunities for work, stronger support for small businesses, increased public investments in infrastructure and agriculture, and better government services driven by higher revenue collections.
He said the country’s first-quarter growth performance is proof that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s policies are producing tangible results on the ground.
“This growth means more than just numbers. It means jobs, livelihood, and greater economic activity in our communities,” he said.
“The economy is moving and it’s moving in the right direction, because the President’s policies are working not only for investors and big businesses but more importantly for ordinary Filipinos.”
Romualdez cited growth in such sectors as manufacturing, construction, logistics, tourism, and digital services as drivers of the first-quarter performance, noting their impact on hiring and local economic activity.
“As more sectors grow, we are seeing more hiring, more spending, and more money circulating in our barangays and local economies. Ibig sabihin po nito, mas maraming trabaho, mas mataas ang kumpiyansa ng negosyo, at mas marami ang inaasahang benepisyo para sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino (This means more jobs, greater business confidence, and more expected benefits for every Filipino family),” he said.
The House, he said, would continue to support the administration’s 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda through legislation that promotes food security, digital transformation, energy sustainability, and social protection.
“We are determined to make sure that this growth reaches every Filipino home – from the farmers in the provinces to workers in the cities to small entrepreneurs trying to recover from the pandemic,” Romualdez said.
Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means, said the economy remains fundamentally sound amid global trade tensions and a local election spending ban weighing on first-quarter activity.
“The Philippine economy continues to withstand global headwinds. I expect the numbers to pick up in the second quarter, especially capital formation, as expectations of Trump’s tariff regime become more stable,” he said.
Salceda said he plans to propose measures to the President that would help the country manage global uncertainties, including streamlining export processes and improving access to tax incentives. (PNA)
