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Adrian Kenneth Halili - The Philippine Star
May 24, 2026 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Foreign investors remain confident in the Philippines despite political uncertainties and a slowing economy, ASEAN Business Advisory Council (BAC) chairman Jose Ma. Concepcion III said.
“The economic and political scenario is something that may concern them, but I don’t think it will cause them to pull back,” Concepcion told The STAR on the sidelines of a BusinessWorld Forum.
Business groups have earlier urged Congress to ensure a fair and impartial impeachment trial for Vice President Sara Duterte, whose upcoming proceedings have already triggered turmoil in the Senate, marked by a coup attempt and a shooting incident.
Concepcion noted that some investors may be concerned with uncertainties and delayed projects. However, he said that the Philippines has become more aggressive with its ASEAN partners and current headwinds are only temporary.
He added that investors could also capitalize on the slowdown by investing now, as business acquisition costs are significantly lower.
“While there are quite a number of headwinds facing us, this ASEAN hosting will help us a lot, show the world that the Philippines is open for business,” Concepcion said.
He added that the Philippines as ASEAN chair this year could leverage its private sector to increase foreign investments, as well as support the ASEAN growth.
In his speech, Concepcion said that the ASEAN BAC recommended that the regional bloc keep trade open by creating crisis green lanes for food, animal feed and packaging.
He added that ASEAN must ensure that the energy needs of food processing, cold storage systems and logistics remain uninterrupted.
Other recommendations include the support of micro, small, and medium enterprises, improving the regulatory environment for businesses and creating a permanent public-private mechanism to monitor disruptions and coordinate faster digital responses.
He noted that the ASEAN BAC would focus on the region’s digital transformation, MSME development, women economic empowerment and the development of the ASEAN’s creative economy.
“Open, fair and digital trade is essential because ASEAN wants to remain competitive in an inclusive, changing global economy. At the same time, stronger cooperation with governments and businesses is needed to improve coordination and delivery,” Concepcion said.
