economic growth – Author Carlo Carrasco

IMF Trims Philippines Economic Growth Projections For 2026 And 2027

January 27, 2026January 20, 2026carlocarrasco

As far as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is concerned, issues of corruption and climate disruptions are enough to convince them to project economic growth of the Philippines at a slower pace not just for this year but also for next year, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Washington-based multilateral lender International Monetary Fund (IMF) has tweaked downwards its economic growth projections for the Philippines this year and the next, following its more somber outlook for 2025 amid corruption allegations and climate disruptions.

According to the IMF’s updated World Economic Outlook (WEO), Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) is now seen expanding at a slower 5.1 percent, down from its earlier forecast of 5.4 percent—both of which fall short of the country’s already lowered target of at least 5.5 percent.

Despite the cut, the IMF’s forecast remains slightly more optimistic than the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) assumption of a 4.6 percent growth rate, which the central bank has attributed to a loss of confidence tied to governance concerns.

For 2026 and 2027, the IMF also trimmed its growth forecasts to 5.6 percent from a previous 5.8 percent, and to 5.8 percent from 6.1 percent, respectively. The central bank’s projection of 5.4 percent for 2026 stands lower than the IMF’s forecast, while its 6.2 percent forecast for 2027 is higher.

These projections still fall within the revised targets, based on National Socioeconomic Planner Arsenio M. Baliscan’s lower growth assumptions. Baliscan expects growth to clock in at five to six percent in 2026, and 5.5 to 6.5 percent in 2027—both lowered from the earlier goals of six to seven percent.

According to the IMF, the downward adjustment for 2026 and 2027 “reflects the carryover impact from a downward revision in the IMF’s growth forecast for 2025—from 5.4 to 5.1 percent—and a slower pace of capital accumulation.”

It noted that the slashed GDP growth forecast for 2025 reflects the output slump in the third quarter of 2025 “amid recent corruption allegations and climate shocks impacting economic activity in the second half of the year.”

To recall, the Philippine economy expanded by four percent in the third quarter of 2025—the weakest in four and a half years.

Looking ahead, output expansion could accelerate slower than expected mainly due to the potential “escalation of trade restrictions and prolonged uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and disruptive financial market corrections.”

“On the upside, accelerated implementation of structural and governance reforms can boost investment and foreign direct investments (FDI), increase fiscal multipliers and boost potential growth,” the lender said.

What would drive the economy in the medium term is robust private consumption and higher investment, the IMF said, “supported by monetary policy easing and the authorities’ recent policy initiatives to support private investment.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economy of the Philippines can somehow grow faster than what the IMF projected for 2026 and 2027? Do you think foreign investors have been turned off by the flood control corruption scandals?

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 Attracted 5.94 Million Foreign Tourists And 543K Overseas Filipinos In 2025

January 22, 2026January 22, 2026carlocarrasco

Finally, the Department of Tourism (DOT) revealed that 5.94 million foreign tourists and over 543,000 returning overseas Filipinos arrived in the Philippines in 2025 resulting in tourism revenue of P694 billion, according to a news release by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

For insight, the Philippines attracted 5,940,975 foreign visitors in 2025 which is 8,375 less compared with 2024’s foreign visitors. Ultimately, the Philippines is still behind many of its Southeast Asian neighbors on international tourism for 2025.

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

The Philippines recorded 6.4 million foreign visitors and returning overseas Filipinos in 2025, generating an estimated PHP694 billion in tourism receipts, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Tuesday.

Citing Bureau of Immigration data, the DOT said 5,940,975 were foreign visitors, including cruise passengers and categories not fully captured in eTravel.

Another 543,085 were returning overseas Filipinos, bringing total inbound arrivals to 6,484,060.

The DOT said preliminary international visitor spending was estimated at PHP694 billion.

While arrivals remain below pre-pandemic levels in 2019, the DOT said the outcome was achieved despite global and domestic challenges, including travel alerts from key markets and fiscal constraints.

The agency said tourism performance should not be measured by arrivals alone, citing strong domestic travel, value creation and job generation.

Guided by the National Tourism Development Plan 2023–2028, the DOT said it remains focused on improving connectivity, safety, workforce skills and service standards.

For insight as to why the Philippines is having a lot of trouble attracting visitors from abroad, watch the YouTube videos below.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you agree with the Department of Tourism’s claim that tourism performance should not be measured by arrivals alone while the Philippines keeps on falling behind its Southeast Asian neighbors that attracted a lot more foreign tourists? Do you think the DOT should examine closely how satisfied or dissatisfied foreign tourists really are before they leave the country? Are you tired of seeing the Philippines failing to hit its annual international tourist arrival targets?

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 Philippine Economic Growth May Fall Below 4% In The Near Term

January 15, 2026January 9, 2026carlocarrasco

By pointing to the effects of the flood control corruption scandal as well as other factors, Nomura Global Markets Research stated that the economic growth of the Philippines may fall below 4% in the near term, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

PHILIPPINE economic growth may fall below 4% in the near term as the billion‑peso flood control scandal drags on, affecting government spending and dampening consumption and sentiment, Nomura Global Markets Research said.

“I think going forward, these spillover effects (from the graft scandal) will also expand,” Nomura Chief Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economist Euben Paracuelles told Money Talks with Cathy Yang on One News on Thursday.

The scandal, which curbed state spending last year, is expected to dampen household consumption and business investment amid weaker sentiment, he added.

“If the drag is now sort of becoming more broad-based, not just the drop in government spending, you’ll see growth coming potentially below 4%, at least in the near term,” he said.

Nomura now expects the gross domestic product (GDP) to expand by 5.3% in 2026 from 5.6% previously. This is still within the government’s recently revised 5-6% target this year.

Economy Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan earlier said growth targets were lowered through 2027, after GDP growth likely slowed to 4.8-5% in 2025 amid the flood control controversy.

The government cut its 2026 projection to 5-6% and to 5.5-6.5% for 2027 from the earlier 6-7% range. The 2028 target was retained at 6-7%.

Mr. Paracuelles anticipates that the government will roll out catch-up spending plans, possibly in the second half of the year.

Meanwhile, the Philippines may earn a credit rating upgrade if the government manages to resolve the flood control corruption issue within a year, Mr. Paracuelles said.

“The key for me is 12 months from here, when they need to decide on whether they need to upgrade the Philippines, I think it’s still quite uncertain,” he said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economic growth of the Philippines is indeed slowing down right now? Would you be surprised to see the nation’s economic growth reach less than 4%? Do you think the officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is working sufficiently to restore its credibility?

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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Philippines Reduces Economic Growth Targets Until 2027

January 8, 2026January 5, 2026carlocarrasco

In what is an acknowledgment of slowing growth, the government of the Philippines officially reduced its economic growth targets until the year 2027, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

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

The Philippines trimmed its economic growth targets until 2027, after growth likely slowed to about 4.8% to 5% this year, according to Economy Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan.

In a briefing on Monday, Mr. Balisacan said the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) had lowered its gross domestic product (GDP) growth targets to 5%-6% for 2026 and 5.5%-6.5% for 2027. It kept the GDP growth target at 6%-7% for 2028.

The government earlier aimed to achieve 6%-7% GDP growth annually from 2026 until 2028.

This comes after Mr. Balisacan said the economy likely grew by 4.8-5% in 2025. This is much slower than the 5.7% GDP growth in 2024, and below the government’s 5.5-6.5% growth target.

“The emerging number, growth scenario for 2025, is something like 4.8 to 5%,” he said. “But if you achieve 5% for the entire year, because the first three quarters’ average is already 5%, that still puts the economy into one of the fastest growing economies in Asia.”

Economic growth slowed to an over four-year low of 4% in the third quarter, as the flood control scandal affected government spending and hurt business and consumer confidence.

“The developments last year are likely still to be felt this year, although in a diminishing effect, and so we expect growth perhaps in the first quarter or at least in the first half to be still quite not as rosy as we would want it to be,” the Economy chief added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the government spending this year should be increased somehow so that it will stimulate the national economy to grow more? Do you think investors based overseas are not convince to invest in the country soon?

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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Ayala Land To Sell Alabang Town Center (ATC) Stake To Madrigal Family For P13.5 Billion

December 20, 2025December 18, 2025carlocarrasco

A new age for the famous Alabang Town Center (ATC) in Muntinlupa City will soon begin as the developer Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) will sell its 50% stake in Alabang Commercial Center Corp. (ACCC) to the Madrigal family in a deal with P13.5 billion, according to a Manila Bulletin business news report.

For the newcomers reading this, the ACCC is the private entity that owns and operates ATC. Already, it has been reported that the Madrigal family is talking with Rockwell Land Corp. about redeveloping the high-end Alabang mall.

*The front of Alabang Town Center along Madrigal Avenue.*

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

Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) has agreed to sell its 50 percent stake in Alabang Commercial Center Corp. (ACCC), the entity that owns and operates the prominent Alabang Town Center mall in Muntinlupa City, back to the Madrigal family for ₱13.5 billion.

The real estate giant announced in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange that it executed a share purchase agreement with its existing joint-venture partner. The transaction is contingent on standard closing conditions.

“The unsolicited offer from our joint venture partner provided a premium, allowing ALI to recognize gains from the sale and monetize its stake in Alabang Town Center,” said ALI Chief Finance Officer and Treasurer Jose Eduardo A. Quimpo II.

He added that the “Proceeds from the sale will fuel further growth in our Leasing portfolio and provide our stakeholders with return of capital.”

In a separate statement, ALI said the deal allowed the company to realize “compelling value for the mature asset, crystallizing future earnings potential today.”

“This move is a deliberate execution of Ayala Land’s strategy to be a premier creator of value,” the company said. “It showcases a disciplined approach of developing assets, stabilizing their operations, and monetizing them at an optimal valuation to aggressively fund future growth and enhance shareholder returns.”

ALI President and Chief Executive Officer Meean B. Dy noted the firm’s strategic focus.

“Our strategy is focused on a dynamic cycle of value creation. We build, we stabilize, and we unlock value at the right time to fuel our next wave of innovation,” Dy said.

“This transaction is a prime example of that strategy in action. We are monetizing a legacy asset at peak valuation to accelerate the rollout of our expansive pipeline of commercial and retail spaces, which will define the Ayala brand of development for the next decade,” he added.

The proceeds from the sale are slated to be a key driver in funding ALI’s leasing pipeline, which includes nearly 700,000 square meters of new gross leasable area (GLA) over the next five years. This expansion is set to transform the commercial landscape in key growth centers across the Philippines.

Chinabank Capital Corp. Managing Director Juan Paolo Colet described the deal as “an opportunistic transaction that enabled Ayala Land to exit their joint venture with the Madrigal family at an attractive price. The company can readily use the cash for various projects in its growth pipeline.”

Colet noted that the future plans for the property remain uncertain.

“It remains to be seen what the Madrigal family will do with their prime commercial property. Given the price they paid, they would need to unlock more value from the asset. A major redevelopment might be on the table,” he said.

Situated adjacent to exclusive gated residential communities and active business developments, Alabang Town Center serves as a community anchor with multiple al fresco areas that contribute to a relaxed, homey atmosphere consistent with the local lifestyle.

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 think the P13.5 billion deal will lead to a major redevelopment of Alabang Town Center in the near future? If you have visited the ATC before, how often do you visit the high-end shopping mall in Alabang? Do you feel confident the ATC will evolve and possibly expand under the control of the Madrigal family and Rockwell Land? Does Alabang Town Center’s current design and structure look old or outdated to you?

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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President Marcos Calls On HSBC To Help investors See Economic Opportunities In The Philippines

November 27, 2025November 19, 2025carlocarrasco

As the signs are clear that economic growth of the Philippines has weakened, President Marcos called on financial giant HSBC to help foreign investors realize the economic opportunities in the country, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has called on international bank HSBC to help more foreign investors see the huge economic opportunities the Philippines has to offer.

“Together let’s build a more progressive Philippine economy, where people can access reliable financial services, obtain meaningful opportunities, and live more dignified, comfortable lives,” he said in a speech at HSBC’s 150th year anniversary gala in Taguig City on Tuesday night.

“Let us continue creating an environment where investors, stakeholders, and most importantly, our citizens see the Philippines as a nation of promise,” he added.

He acknowledged the foreign bank’s support for government initiatives, including its participation in recent bond issuances such as the SEC-registered USD3.3 billion-equivalent dual currency global bond that aims to ensure the continuation of vital government programs.

“These programs, whether on infrastructure, education, or social protection, directly benefit our people, especially those who rely on stable public services,” he said.

He also cited HSBC’s strong collaboration with relevant economic agencies and its contribution to increasing the country’s exposure to foreign investors.

From its first branch in Binondo in 1875, Marcos said HSBC’s growing presence in the Philippines serves as a vote of confidence in the future of the Philippines.

On the part of the government, he said the administration continues to strengthen its financial systems to protect depositors.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, he added, is refining capital, liquidity, and governance standards to ensure that banks are resilient.

The country, he said, also adopts reforms such as the Basel III New Standardized Approach, the National Risk Assessment, and clearer guidelines for the disqualification of erring officers.

“Today, as HSBC adapts to a rapidly changing economy, we are confident that the bank will remain true to its commitment to making its services more inclusive, more secure, and accessible to Filipinos,” the chief executive said.

HSBC, the leading international bank in the country, serves 41 million clients across 57 markets, with over USD3 trillion in assets.

In his remarks, HSBC Interim Group Chairman Brendan Nelson said the firm has “strong” confidence in the Philippines and is ready to work with the country to sustain its growth momentum.

He said HSBC is “determined to continue growing” in the Philippines as he noted its strategic position in Southeast Asia, one of the regions, he noted, is set to benefit most from the “configured globalized world.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think economic growth of the Philippines will get stronger in 2026? Do you think foreign investors will take a new look at the Philippines for economic opportunities soon?

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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Philippines At Risk Of Falling Behind Southeast Asian Neighbors Economically

November 26, 2025November 19, 2025carlocarrasco

The 3^rd quarter growth of only 4% the Philippines achieved has been on people’s minds a lot lately. As such, the country is at risk of falling behind its neighbors in Southeast Asia in terms of economic growth and gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

The Philippine economy is at risk of further falling behind its Southeast Asian neighbors, an economist said, noting it may take two years to catch up with Vietnam and up to 70 years to catch up with Singapore.

“(T)he Philippines could find itself lagging behind if alleged public spending issues continue to divert attention and resources away from the structural reforms needed to accelerate economic development,” Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Lead Economist Emilio S. Neri, Jr. said in a commentary on Wednesday.

In the third quarter, Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 4%, its slowest pace in over four years amid slower household and public infrastructure spending as the flood control scandal dampened investor and con-sumer sentiment.

In the nine months to September, GDP growth averaged 5%, putting the government’s 5.5%-6.5% full-year growth target further out of reach.

“The Philippine economy is growing, but not enough to close the economic gap with other countries,” Mr. Neri said.

He noted the Philippine GDP per capita is lower compared with other economies in the region. Citing International Monetary Fund (IMF) data, he said the Philippines’ GDP per capita stood at $4,078 in 2024.

“At the current growth rate, it would take the Philippines two years to catch up with the GDP per capita of Vietnam, 4 years with Indonesia, 14 years with Thailand, 26 years with Malaysia, and 70 years with Singapore, assuming their incomes remain stagnant. In reality, their GDP per capita continues to grow, which means the gap could persist or even widen,” Mr. Neri said.

The Philippines lagged behind Singapore which had a GDP per capita of $90,674 in 2024, followed by South Korea ($36,128), Japan ($32,498), China ($13,312), Malaysia ($12,540), Thailand ($7,491), Indonesia ($4,958) and Vietnam ($4,535).

“Before the pandemic, the Philippines had a higher GDP per capita than Vietnam, but has since been overtaken. At current trends, it would take the Philippines two years to catch up with Vietnam, but that gap could increase to 13 years by 2044,” Mr. Neri said.

The BPI economist said the Philippines needs structural reforms to accelerate growth in order to close the widening gap with its neighbors.

“The current economic model of the country is not enough, as shown by the country’s inability to grow faster than 6% in recent years,” he said.

Mr. Neri said the economy has been “too reliant” on consumer spending, driven by overseas Filipino worker (OFW) remittances and the business process outsourcing industry.

“There is a need to diversify its sources of growth. The economy must improve in terms of production, especially in agriculture and manufacturing, as they will allow the economy to be more self-sufficient and to reach foreign markets. These industries have been critical to Vietnam’s success and could play a similar role for the Philippines,” he said.

However, Mr. Neri said implementing these reforms will be hard if the government lacks focus.

“Public spending issues divert fiscal resources and policymaking focus away from long-term development priorities. Efforts to strengthen safeguards against potential issues in government spending are essential, enabling the country to work on structural reforms that could improve the economy,” he said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? What do you think should the government do to accelerate economic growth?

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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Business Groups Reaffirm Commitment To National Economy

November 25, 2025November 18, 2025carlocarrasco

With the weakening economic growth and growing socio-economic uncertainty affecting the entire Philippines, prominent business groups reaffirmed their commitment to invest and create jobs in the country, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Six prominent groups representing the business sector reaffirmed their commitment to invest and create jobs in the Philippines amid weakening sentiment in the economy, which is fueled by what they described as a “political turmoil” stemming from the ongoing corruption scandal.

In a rare joint statement sent to the media moments after a pivotal reshuffle in the administration’s economic team, the business groups emphasized that they remain committed to supporting the Philippine economy.

“While the current political turmoil raises understandable concerns, we stress that the country’s long-term fundamentals remain strong; anchored by a well-regulated financial system, a stable banking sector, and companies that continue to invest in and believe in the Philippines,” the groups said on Monday, Nov. 17.

The statement was signed by Makati Business Club (MBC), Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX), Philippine Finance Association, and Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD).

In a statement that essentially serves as a pitch to potential investors, the six business groups said that the institutions safeguarding local markets “continue to operate independently and rigorously.”

The groups cited the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as among the most reliable government partners when it comes to businesses.

Both the BSP and the SEC uphold regulatory frameworks aligned with global standards, ultimately ensuring market integrity, prudent risk management, and strong investor protection, they said.

“The Philippines continues to meet international benchmarks on capital adequacy, disclosure requirements, and corporate governance,” the groups said.

The business groups also took note of the corporate earnings of publicly listed companies, which reflect the economy’s underlying strength.

They noted that even during periods of global instability, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, companies continued to demonstrate resilience with growing revenues and stable margins.

Further, the groups said that investment sentiment in the country remains robust, with gross fixed capital formation ranging between 22 percent and 27 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) over the last 10 years.

“This ongoing level of capital spending, mainly driven by business growth, clearly indicates that Philippine companies continue to build capacity, expand operations, and invest in the country’s long-term prospects,” the statement read.

While upholding optimism, the six business groups stressed that investor confidence is influenced not only by economic fundamentals but also by governance.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Does the joint statement of the prominent business group boost your confidence about the future of the country? Do you think the Philippine economy will be able to bounce back strongly next year? Does the continuing media coverage of the flood control corruption scandals and investigations continue to bother you?

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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Approved Foreign Investment Pledges Fall Down 48.7% In 3rd Quarter

November 21, 2025November 14, 2025carlocarrasco

The flood control corruption scandals connected with the weaker investor sentiment resulted in a 48.7% fall in foreign investment pledges during the 3^rd quarter this year, according a news report by BusinessWorld. It should be noted that Philippines GDP growth for the same quarter slowed down a lot.

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

APPROVED foreign investment pledges plunged nearly 50% in the third quarter as investor sentiment soured due to the corruption scandal involving government infrastructure projects, the local statistics agency said.

Preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed the value of foreign commitments approved by investment promotion agencies (IPAs) fell by 48.7% to P73.68 billion in the July-to-September period from P143.74 billion in same period last year.

However, this was the highest amount of investment pledges since the third quarter of 2024.

Ser Percival K. Peña-Reyes, director of the Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development, said the decline in approved investments can be attributed to the weaker investor sentiment.

“Tingin ko. Wala pang nakukulong eh (I think so. No one has been imprisoned yet),” he said in a Viber message, when asked if this sharp slump in approved investments will likely persist in the fourth quarter until 2026.

Quarter on quarter, the approved pledges rose by 9.34% from P67.38 billion in the second quarter.

Singapore was the top source of foreign investment pledges in the third quarter with P20.26 billion (27.5%), followed by Japan with P13.59 billion (18.4%) and Cayman Islands with P13.14 billion (17.8%).

Investment commitments from South Korea stood at P5.57 billion (7.6%), while those from China stood at P4.51 billion (6.1%)

PSA data showed the investment pledges were approved by seven IPAs — the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), Board of Investments (BoI), Clark Development Corp., Clark International Airport Corp., Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? What do you think the government must do to convince foreign investors to become more confident about investing in the Philippines? Do you think the investigation and pace of justice related to the flood control corruption scandal is moving too slowly?

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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Meralco Preparing Bid For Nuclear Power License

November 18, 2025November 10, 2025carlocarrasco

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) announced recently that it is getting ready with its bid for a nuclear power license which is needed I order to operate power facilities with nuclear energy, according to a BusinessWorld news report. This development is a part of the collective effort to make nuclear Philippines a reality.

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

MANILA ELECTRIC CO. (Meralco) said it is preparing to apply for a license to operate nuclear power facilities in time for the opening up of the application process next year.

“We’ve been very aggressive on this, (but) we have to comply with the timeline set by the Department of Energy,” Meralco Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho told reporters late last month.

Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin has said that applications will be opened up for nuclear energy projects by 2026, overseen by the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM).

Under Republic Act No. 12305, or the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, PhilATOM will have sole jurisdiction over the regulation of nuclear energy and radiation sources.

The Philippines is hoping to integrate nuclear energy into the power mix with at least 1,200 megawatts (MW) of capacity by 2032, increasing to 2,400 MW by 2045 and 4,800 MW by 2050.

Ms. Garin has said that several companies have expressed interest in submitting nuclear energy project proposals.

Meralco is looking at small modular reactors (SMRs) when it enters the market. SMRs, each capable of generating up to 300 MW, can be constructed more quickly than traditional nuclear power plants.

Mr. Aperocho said that Meralco is awaiting details of the incentives and the liability profile for proponents, which will influence funding available for nuclear.

The company is expecting a $2.7-million grant from the US Trade and Development Agency to fund a feasibility study on SMRs.

“Both sides have fulfilled the required conditions. It’s just a matter of formality now…we’re hoping it gets sorted out soon so the grant can start running,” Mr. Aperocho said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you aware that nuclear power plants can create abundant energy that solar and wind power cannot achieve?

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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