business confidence – Author Carlo Carrasco

Keep Call Centers In America Act Of 2025 Sparks Resolution Proposal In Philippine Congress

October 24, 2025October 23, 2025carlocarrasco

A few months ago in the United States, the Keep Call Centers in America Act of 2025 was filed and it really caused a disturbance on the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here in the Philippines. Recently a member of Congress here in the Philippines filed a resolution to initiate talks with the US to discuss call center reshoring and seek exemptions, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

Coincidentally, the proposed resolution was filed by a Congressman from the province of Cebu where I once worked as a call center agent a very long time ago. I never returned to the call center industry.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of BusinessWorld. Some parts in boldface…

A CEBU legislator filed a resolution on Monday urging the government to initiate talks with the US over plans to bring the call-center industry back from overseas.

The Trade and Foreign Affairs departments should “immediately initiate dialogue” with their US counterparts to seek exemptions for US business process outsourcing (BPO) firms operating in the Philippines, according to Cebu Rep. Vincent Franco D. Frasco, who filed House Resolution No. 386.

“The urgency of the situation demands proactive and high-level diplomatic action and trade engagement to ensure that the interests of Filipino workers and US-affiliated firms operating in the Philippines are protected from the US bill’s unintended economic consequences,” he said, referring to US legislation known as the proposed Keep Call Centers in America Act

The US bill could penalize US companies for outsourcing call center operations by ruling them out for federal grants and loan guarantees. The Philippines call center industry employs about 1.7 million, according to the House resolution.

Mr. Frasco described the US measure as posing a “direct threat” to the stability of the BPO industry and may discourage American firms from setting up shop in the country, leading to job losses and loss of investor confidence.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Congressman Frasco’s proposed resolution will be approved soon? Do you think the DTI will be able to meet with their American counterparts and be able to secure exemptions? Do you think the Keep Call Centers in America Act of 2025 is very dangerous to the BPO industry of the Philippines? How many people in your local community are working in call centers right now? When do you think the Keep Call Centers in America Act of 2025 will be passed by US Congress and be sent to President Donald Trump for final approval?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines September 2025 Inflation Reaches 1.7%

October 14, 2025October 7, 2025carlocarrasco

The annual inflation rate of the Philippines reached 1.7% this past September led by higher food prices, according to a BusinessWorld news report. Take note that August inflation was at 1.5% and business sentiment in the Philippines has weakened.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld news report. Some parts in boldface…

Philippine annual inflation quickened for a second month, but it was still below the central bank’s 2% to 4% comfort range for the year, reinforcing expectations that a policy decision this week will be a close call between cutting rates and pausing.

The consumer price index rose 1.7% in September led by higher food prices, up from August’s 1.5%, the statistics agency said on Tuesday. It was below the 2.0% median forecast in a Reuters poll, and brought year-to-date average inflation to 1.7%.

The September rate, the fastest since March, comes just days before the central bank’s penultimate policy meeting of the year on Thursday.

“For the upcoming policy meeting, the Monetary Board will review newly available information and reassess the impact of prior monetary actions in light of evolving economic conditions and their implications for inflation and growth,” the Philippine central bank said in a statement.

At its August policy meeting, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) signalled another reduction was still possible this year before it concludes its easing cycle.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the inflation rate of the Philippines will reach as high as 3% by the end of 2025? Do you consider inflation as a major factor behind the modest economic growth of the country this year?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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IMF Sees Philippine Economy Growing 5.4% This Year And 5.7% Next Year

October 10, 2025October 3, 2025carlocarrasco

By citing factors like weaker-than-expected growth in the first half, the American tariffs on Philippine goods and geopolitical conflicts, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) sees the economy Philippines growing only 5.4% this year and 5.7% next year, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld news report. Some parts in boldface…

PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC GROWTH is expected to moderate this year and in 2026 amid ongoing trade uncertainties and geopolitical tensions across the globe, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said.

The IMF trimmed its Philippine growth forecast to 5.4% for this year, slightly lower than its 5.5% projection in July.

If realized, gross domestic product (GDP) growth will be at the low end of the National Government’s 5.5-6.5% target band this year.

For 2026, the IMF also cut its growth forecast to 5.7% from 5.9% previously. However, this is below the government’s 6-7% target for next year.

The IMF said the economy is expected to remain resilient, but downside risks warrant “close attention.”

“Risks to the growth outlook are tilted to the downside. The main external risks stem from prolonged global trade policy uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and disruptive financial market corrections,” IMF Mission Head Elif Arbatli Saxegaard said at a briefing after the conclusion of the 2025 Article IV Consultation with the Philippines on Wednesday.

“On the domestic front, more frequent and intense climate shocks would cause notable macroeconomic losses. On the upside, accelerated implementation of structural and governance reforms would support investor confidence and the fiscal multiplier and raise potential growth. Risks around inflation are broadly balanced.”

Ms. Saxegaard said the growth outlook was revised to reflect the weaker-than-expected growth in the first half. For the first half, GDP growth averaged 5.4%, slower than the 6.2% a year ago.

Ms. Saxegaard said growth will be affected by the higher tariffs imposed by the US on Philippine goods. The US began imposing a 19% tariff on goods from the Philippines on Aug. 7

“It will weigh on exports and investment,” she said.

She also noted growth will be “supported by monetary easing and recent legislative measures to promote private investment.”

Meanwhile, the IMF sees inflation averaging 1.6% this year, before picking up to 2.6% next year.

“The pickup in inflation is expected to be driven by (the) food and transport crisis,” Ms. Saxegaard said. “And that reflects essentially the decline in negative base effects that have been dragging down inflation this year. So, as those base effects recede, we expect a pickup.”

She said core inflation is expected to “remain muted” at 2.5% in 2026.

“The BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) has room for a slightly more accommodative stance to help bring inflation back to the target faster and reduce economic slack amid elevated downside risks to growth,” Ms. Saxegaard said. “Policy will need to remain data dependent amidst prevailing uncertainties around the output gap and the neutral rate, and two-sided risks to inflation.”

On Aug. 28, the central bank slashed its key interest rate by 25 basis points (bps) for a third consecutive time to 5%. It has cut the benchmark by a total of 150 bps since August last year.

CORRUPTION – Asked about recent corruption scandals involving some government projects, Ms. Saxegaard said the IMF will continue to monitor the developments.

“It’s not yet clear whether and how these allegations will impact investor and private sector confidence, as well as their perceptions and behavior,” she said.

The IMF welcomed recent reforms to reduce infrastructure gaps and promote foreign direct investment, but effective implementation is key.

“Enhancing fiscal governance and the rule of law and reducing corruption vulnerabilities are critical for inclusive and sustainable growth,” Ms. Saxegaard said.

The IMF urged the Philippine government to continue implementing gradual fiscal consolidation “to replenish fiscal buffers and support external balance.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the IMF’s prediction of weaker economic growth will turn out true? Do you think the flood control projects scandal and government corruption investigation are turning away foreign investors?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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US State Department Flags Corruption In The Philippines As Barrier To Investment

October 9, 2025October 10, 2025carlocarrasco

Corruption is sadly deeply rooted here in the Philippines. So much so, the State Department of the United States flagged corruption as a barrier to investment in the Philippines, according to a GMA Network news report. To be clear, there have been economic forecasts about the Philippine economy growing less than 6% this year (possibly ending below the national government’s declared targets) and the US State Department published its detailed report about the country and investment online. As a lot of people are angry over corruption, tremendous economic damage of P1.7 trillion in market capitalization was wiped out (update: the Securities and Exchange Commission chairman apologized for stating the P1.7 trillion figure).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA Network news report. Some parts in boldface…

The United States Department of State has flagged “pervasive” corruption in the Philippines as among the major barriers to foreign investment in the country.

In its 2025 Investment Climate report, the US State Department said “corruption is a pervasive and long-standing problem in both the public and private sector” in the Philippines.

It also cited the country’s rank of 114th out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index and “remaining around that level since 2019.”

The State Department added that the World Economic Forum also flagged corruption as among the top problematic factors for doing business in the Philippines.

“The Philippines’ complex, slow, redundant, and sometimes corrupt judicial system inhibits the timely and fair resolution of commercial disputes,” it said.

“Foreign investors describe the inefficiency and uncertainty of the judicial system as a significant barrier to investment. Investors often decline to file cases in court because of slow and complex litigation processes and fears of corruption. Stakeholders report an inexperienced judiciary when confronted with cases involving complex issues such as technology or science,” it added.

The State Department also said its embassy in Manila has received multiple reports from US businesses of overly invasive searches, inconsistent customs charges, and solicitations of “facilitation fees” (such as bribes) from some customs officials.

To see the entire 2025 Investment Climate Statements about the Philippines, click https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-investment-climate-statements/philippines

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the US State Department’s 2025 Investment Climate report about the Philippines is true and accurate? Are you concerned that the perceived corruption as well as the shocking revelations about the flood control projects scandals are already discouraging foreign investors from investing in the country? Do you think the Trump tariffs will eventually bring down Philippine exports to the United States in the next few months? What do you think the Philippine government should do to wipe out corruption and regain the trust of foreign investors?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Asian Development Bank Sees Philippine Economy Growing Less Than 6% This Year

October 9, 2025September 30, 2025carlocarrasco

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) predicted that the economy of the Philippines will achieve growth of less than 6% this year, according to a GMA Network news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has maintained its economic growth outlook for the Philippines this year on the back of sustained domestic demand despite global trade uncertainties.

In the September 2025 edition of its flagship Asian Development Outlook (ADO), the ADB said it forecasts the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) to grow at 5.6% for 2025, maintained from the ADO July edition’s outlook.

The multilateral lender said that “robust domestic demand amid subdued inflation will support Philippine economic growth this year and the next.”

“The Philippines’ growth outlook remains resilient amid a global environment of shifting trade and investment policies and heightened geopolitical uncertainties,” said ADB country director for the Philippines Andrew Jeffries.

“Though these uncertainties pose increased risk, we see strong domestic demand anchoring growth, with sustained investments and an accommodative monetary policy supporting the economy’s expansion,” said Jeffries.

For 2026, the ADB said it sees the Philippine economy to grow at 5.7% — the same level as the country’s actual growth rate in 2024.

Nonetheless, the bank said the country is expected to remain a bright spot in Southeast Asia, “with the second highest GDP expansion in the region.”

Moreover, the ADB said it forecasts inflation to ease at 1.8% this year, before rising to 3% in 2026 to return to the government’s target range of 2% to 4%. The latest 2025 inflation forecast is lower from July’s 2.2%.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the economy of the Philippine does not have any more momentum to grow at least 6% this year? Are you concerned that the flood control projects scandal and government corruption here in the Philippines will turn away foreign investors?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Weaker Business Sentiment In The Philippines

October 7, 2025September 30, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) conduct its own survey which revealed that business sentiment in the Philippines became less optimistic during the 3^rd quarter, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld news report. Some parts in boldface…

Philippine businesses turned less optimistic about the economy in the third quarter amid bad weather and sluggish demand during “ghost month,” a survey by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed.

Based on its latest Business Expectations Survey, the overall confidence index (CI) for businesses fell to 23.2% in the third quarter, down from the 28.8% in the second quarter and the 32.9% in the same quarter last year.

A positive CI indicates that more respondents are optimistic than pessimistic. However, this was the lowest CI seen since the 23.9% recorded in the fourth quarter of 2022. The business confidence index has been on a decline for three consecutive quarters.

“Philippine businesses were less optimistic about the economy in the third quarter of the year,” the BSP said in a statement. “Their dampened confidence was primarily attributed to the slack in demand during the ‘ghost month’ and the onset of the rainy and typhoon season.”

This year, “ghost month,” the seventh month in the Chinese lunar calendar, ran from Aug. 23 to Sept. 21. Some investors avoid making big investments or decisions during this period.

The country also experienced heavy rains and flooding brought by several tropical storms and the southwest monsoon from late July to early August.

“Global headwinds, such as higher US tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and weaker foreign demand, also weighed on business confidence,” the BSP said. The US began imposing a 19% tariff on goods from the Philippines on Aug. 7.

At the same time, business confidence for the fourth quarter improved to 49.5% from 39.3% previously, as a surge in consumer spending is usually seen ahead of the holidays. The overall business outlook for the next 12 months eased to 48.1% from 51% the previous quarter.

“Despite the lower year-ahead CI, it remained positive, reflecting businesses’ continued optimism about near-term economic prospects,” the BSP said.

Businesses surveyed also see the peso appreciating against the US dollar in the fourth quarter and over the next 12 months but expect inflation to accelerate further.

“Firms also expect inflation over the next 12 months to remain within the National Government’s target range, indicating firmly anchored business inflation expectations. Within-target inflation supports investments and job creation,” the BSP said.

Businesses expect inflation to have settled at 2.1% in the third quarter, and picking up to 2.3% next quarter, and 2.4% in the next 12 months.

The central bank surveyed 1,523 firms nationwide, 580 of which are in the National Capital Region (NCR) and 943 in areas outside NCR, from July 4 to Aug. 17.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the economy of the Philippines will somehow slow down in the 4^th quarter?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Nomura says America’s 19% tariff may cut Philippines GDP growth slightly

August 5, 2025July 28, 2025carlocarrasco

In the middle of mixed reactions towards the United States’ 19% tariff on Philippine exports, Nomura Global Markets Research stated that the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth could be cut by 0.4%, according to a BusinessWorld news report. Recently, US President Donald Trump and Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., met in the White House which resulted in the new tariff.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of BusinessWorld. Some parts in boldface…

THE United States’ 19% tariff on Philippine goods could cut the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) growth by 0.4 percentage point (ppt), Nomura Global Markets Research said.

In a report, Nomura said the US tariff of 19% on Philippine goods is “fairly high” and poses downside risks to growth.

“We estimate the direct effects could reduce our baseline GDP growth forecasts by a still-substantial 0.4 ppt in the Philippines.”

Nomura said this projection is “relatively substantial” compared to its baseline growth forecasts of 5.3% and 5.6% for this year and 2026, respectively.

“This is partly because we assigned 10% as the level where the reciprocal tariff rate could settle, on the assumption that the Philippines is a strong ally of the US and is not a third country for transshipments,” Nomura said.

“As it turns out, despite the visit to Washington by President Marcos and both sides reiterating the need for a strong partnership, the tariff was still set at 19%, which is even higher than the ‘Liberation Day’ level of 17%.”

Last week, Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. met with US President Donald J. Trump at the White House in Washington, DC. Mr. Trump announced a 19% tariff would be imposed on Philippine goods, which will take effect starting Aug. 1.

“The trade ‘deals’ therefore represent upside surprises in terms of tariff rates, especially for the Philippines,” Nomura said.

“As a result, if implemented and these tariff rates are sustained, these will likely further weigh on growth in both countries relative to our current baseline forecasts.”

The government expects GDP to grow by 5.5-6.5% this year, lower than its previous target of 6-8%.

“While these ballpark estimates make sense to us, uncertainty remains high and these are ‘only’ taking into account the direct effects on these ASEAN countries’ exports to the US,” Nomura said.

These estimates do not account for sectoral tariffs, such as in semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, which are currently exempted, it added.

“But as our US team highlights, the risk is these could be set higher, though some countries could be exempted, adding to the uncertainty. As mentioned above, the details of the trade deals with Indonesia and the Philippines are still limited.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines is in a serious disadvantage with the American tariff of 19% imposed on the nation’s exports? Do you think the Philippine economy still has strong momentum to reach 6% GDP growth by the end of this year?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Muntinlupa City Government approves new ordinance versus fake PWD IDs

April 10, 2025April 5, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government passed a new ordinance against the use of fake person with disabilities (PWD) identification cards, according to a GMA Network news report. The move was done in response to the rise of fraud related to the proliferation of fake PWD IDs.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…

The city government of Muntinlupa has approved an ordinance penalizing the use of fake person with disabilities (PWD) identification cards.

City Ordinance No. 2025-325 imposes a fine ranging from P2,000 to P5,000 to persons who use or owns fake PWD IDs; tamper, alter, or produce fake IDs; declare false information in the application, renewal, and update of PWD ID; and issue fake certificate of disability and other medical documents.

The local law also imposes penalties to those who give or receive money or any exchange for a PWD ID; phishing and scamming through text, email, or other online methods; and the use of PWD ID by other persons.

Business establishments that do not post the ordinance in their establishments, as well as those that do not verify the PWD IDs of the customers will likewise face penalties under the local law.

Individuals who violate the ordinance would be fined P2,000 for the first offense, P4,000 for the second offense, and P5,000 for third offense.

If applicable, violators will face one-year ineligibility on all the benefits, services, and programs of the city government of Muntinlupa.

Stiffer penalties will be imposed to those who sell, produce, and proliferate fake PWD ID. They will face P5,000 fine, imprisonment of up to six months, and one-year ineligibility on all the benefits, services, and programs of the Muntinlupa City government.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you approve of the newest ordinance against fake PWD IDs? Did you notice a local surge of fraud related to the use of fake PWD IDs?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

PEZA investment pledges jump 249% in January-March 2025

April 8, 2025April 2, 2025carlocarrasco

The Philippines is enjoying a surge of investment pledges in the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) with a 249% jump in the first quarter of 2025, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The surge is expected to create many new jobs.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

Investment pledges in the Philippine Economic Zone Authority from January to March 2025 hit PHP58.95 billion, 249 percent higher than the PHP13.95 billion project registrations in the same period in 2024.

PEZA reported Wednesday that the pledges came from 66 projects that registered with the investment promotion agency (IPA) in the first quarter of the year.

These new and expansion projects are expected to generate 15,815 direct jobs and contribute an additional USD497.46 million to export revenues.

“PEZA’s continued upward trajectory reflects our strong commitment towards investment promotion and facilitation, coupled with our most generous fiscal incentives under the CREATE MORE, and the other advantages placing the Philippines in a sweet spot for economic growth and development,” PEZA Director General Tereso Panga said.

“PEZA continues to play a vital role in advancing the country’s economic resilience through sustained job creation, increased exports, and enhanced investment attraction,” he added.

Twenty-four projects that were registered with PEZA in Q1 2025 are manufacturing activities and another 24 are in information technology and business process management.

Ecozone development and domestic enterprises got seven projects each, while utilities and facilities activities registered two projects each.

A big chunk of PEZA-approved investment in Q1 2025 are for Calabarzon (32 projects), followed by National Capital Region (12), Central Luzon (eight), Central Visayas (eight), Davao Region (two), Ilocos Region (two), Northern Mindanao (one), and Western Visayas (one).

To date, PEZA approved PHP49.81 billion worth of big-ticket projects, or those with investments exceeding PHP1 billion.

For March alone, the PEZA board approved 27 projects with total investments of PHP6.01 billion.

Two big-ticket projects were also approved last month with aggregate pledges of PHP2.62 billion for a water treatment facility in Batangas and a coconut milk manufacturing facility in Misamis Oriental.

“We are bullish that we will sustain this upward trajectory coming into the 2nd quarter of the year as we intensify our investment promotion initiatives partnered with the CREATE MORE incentives, the most generous fiscal incentives among ASEAN to date,” Panga said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the strong surge of investments in PEZA will continue to last throughout the year? Do you think the Philippine economy will grow beyond 6% this year?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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2024 FDI net inflow into Philippines reaches $8.93 billion

March 21, 2025March 12, 2025carlocarrasco

Foreign direct investments (FDI) that flowed into the Philippines reached $8.93 billion in 2024 which is a tiny improvement over the previous year, according to a BusinessWorld news report. The result was below the target for 2024 set by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld report. Some parts in boldface…

NET INFLOWS of foreign direct investments (FDI) into the Philippines inched up by just 0.1% in 2024 but plunged in December to its lowest monthly tally in 11 years, amid uncertainty in global trade, data from the central bank showed.

Preliminary data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed FDI net inflows edged higher to $8.93 billion in 2024 from $8.925 billion in 2023, ending two straight years of declining inflows.

The 2024 FDI tally was also the highest in two years but below the BSP’s forecast of $9 billion.

Investments in equity and investment fund shares rose by 13.1% to $2.7 billion in 2024 from $2.39 billion in 2023.

Net foreign investments in equity capital climbed by 42.4% to $1.54 billion last year from $1.08 billion in 2023. Placements increased by 4.3% to $2.17 billion, while withdrawals fell by 37.1% to $628 million.

BSP data showed these placements mainly came from Japan (38%), the United Kingdom (35%), the United States (10%), and Singapore (8%).

Investments were mostly channeled into manufacturing (68%), followed by real estate (12%), and information and communication (5%) industries.

Meanwhile, net investments in debt instruments stood at $6.23 billion, down by 4.7% from $6.53 billion in 2023. Reinvestment of earnings likewise declined by 11.2% to $1.17 billion from $1.31 billion.

DECEMBER SLUMP – In December alone, FDI net inflows plunged by 85.2% to $110 million from $743 million in the same month in 2023. Month on month, inflows likewise fell by 88% from $922 million.

December saw the lowest FDI net inflow in 11 years or since the $102.16 million recorded in December 2013.

“While nonresidents’ net equity capital investments rose, FDI declined due to increased debt repayments by resident corporations to their nonresident direct investors,” the BSP said.

The higher debt repayments brought net investments in debt instruments to an outflow of $19 million in December, a reversal of the $618-million inflow in the same month in 2023.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines can do more to attract more foreign direct investments this year? Do you think the FDI of 2024 will result in new businesses and new jobs all over the Philippines this year?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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