MANILA – The Philippines’ recent credit rating outlook upgrade to “positive” by S&P Global Ratings reflects the unified leadership and effective governance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., showcasing the administration’s commitment to economic stability and growth despite challenges besetting the nation.
“Ang pagtaas ng ating credit rating outlook ay patunay ng matatag na pamumuno ni Pangulong Marcos. Sa kabila ng kabi-kabilang hamon sa ating lipunan, nananatiling nakatuon ang administrasyon sa pagpapabuti ng kabuhayan ng bawat Pilipino (Our credit rating upgrade proves the strong leadership of President Marcos. Despite the myriad challenges facing society, the administration remains focused in uplifting the life of every Filipino),” Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said in a news release on Wednesday.
“Ang pagkilalang ito mula sa S&P ay nagpapakita na nasa tamang landas ang ating bansa. Nakikita ng international community ang potensyal ng Pilipinas bilang isang matatag at maunlad na ekonomiya sa ilalim ni Pangulong Marcos (This acknowledgement by S&P showed that our country is in the right track. The international community recognizes the potential of the Philippines as a strong and prosperous economy under President Marcos).”
The upgrade highlights the nation’s improved fiscal management, robust economic reforms and policy environment conducive to long-term development, and marks a significant step toward achieving an ‘A’ sovereign rating, he said.
Romualdez said the upgrade means more investors will come to the country, leading to more job opportunities for Filipinos and higher economic growth.
“Ibig sabihin, aangat ang kalidad ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino at ito ang magtitiyak ng mas maginhawa at mas matiwasay na kinabukasan para sa ating bansa (It means a higher quality of life for each Filipino, and this will ensure a more comfortable and stable future for the country),” he said.
The House leader also lauded President Marcos’ leadership in navigating global economic uncertainties.
“President Marcos has steered the country through challenging times, ensuring that the economy remains robust and capable of competing on the global stage,” he said.
Romualdez also highlighted the administration’s focus on inclusive growth, particularly through infrastructure development and social programs aimed at uplifting underserved sectors of society.
“Patuloy tayong nakatuon sa mga proyektong magbibigay ng direktang benepisyo sa ating mga kababayan, lalo na sa pinakamahihirap (We will continue to focus on projects that directly provide benefits to our countrymen, especially the poorest of the poor),” he said.
Meanwhile, Romualdez noted the vital role of Congress in supporting economic policies that have been pivotal in achieving the upgraded credit rating outlook.
Among these initiatives are the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy Act or simply, the “CREATE MORE” Act, and key tax reform measures, which have attracted investments and boosted economic activity.
He said S&P’s recognition serves as a reminder of the importance of sustaining the reforms and policies that have brought the country this far.
“Sa kabila ng mga ingay sa paligid, hindi natitinag ang pamahalaan sa layunin nitong itaas ang antas ng pamumuhay ng mga Pilipino (Despite the political noise, the administration remains committed in its objective to raise the quality of life of Filipinos),” he stressed.
“Ang tagumpay na ito ay bunga ng ating pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan. Patuloy tayong magkaisa para sa ikabubuti ng ating bayan (This success comes from our unity and cooperation. Let’s continue to remain united for the good of the country),” Romualdez said.
In a separate statement, House ways and means committee chair and Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said the improved outlook was “directly attributable to President Marcos’ responsible approach to fiscal policy, and Congress’s efforts to enact fiscal reform.”
“This development is also due to President Marcos’s harmonious relationship with both labor and business, and to his reaffirmation of our role in international markets and in the multilateral sector,” Salceda said.
He expressed optimism that the Philippines could achieve A-level credit ratings if pending fiscal reforms are passed.
Salceda said among the economic benefits of the improved credit outlook is reduced government borrowing costs.
“Every rating upgrade tends to reduce rates by as much as 0.25 basis points compared to baseline,” he said.
He estimated that such reductions could save the government up to PHP29 billion in annual interest payments, which could fund critical infrastructure.
“That is money for as many as 1, 160 classrooms, about 30 new provincial hospitals, and as much as 1, 414 kilometers of concrete roads. These are very real impacts on the Filipino family,” he said. (With a report from Filane Mikee Cervantes/PNA)