Manila: House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez stated Thursday that the Philippine economy is heading in the right direction, with recent growth bringing tangible benefits to ordinary Filipinos.
According to Philippines News Agency, Romualdez highlighted that the 5.4 percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth recorded in the first quarter of 2025 is leading to more job opportunities, enhanced support for small businesses, increased public investments in infrastructure and agriculture, and improved government services due to higher revenue collections. He emphasized that the country's first-quarter growth performance is evidence of the effectiveness of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s policies.
Romualdez remarked, "This growth means more than just numbers. It means jobs, livelihood, and greater economic activity in our communities." He further asserted that the economy is progressing positively because the President's policies benefit not only investors and large businesses but, more importantly, ordinary Filipinos.
He identified growth in sectors such as manufacturing, construction, logistics, tourism, and digital services as key drivers of the first-quarter performance, impacting hiring and local economic activities. Romualdez explained, "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)."
Romualdez assured that the House 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," he added.
Albay Representative Joey Salceda, chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means, noted that the economy remains fundamentally sound amid global trade tensions and a local election spending ban affecting first-quarter activity. He expressed confidence, saying, "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."
Salceda also mentioned his plans to propose measures to the President to help the country navigate global uncertainties, which include streamlining export processes and improving access to tax incentives.