Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go has announced a suite of key government reforms designed to sustain the Philippines' economic growth trajectory, emphasizing decisive action in trade facilitation, transportation, and strategic industry support.
Digital Trade and Strategic Funding Moves
Speaking on the sidelines of the Economic Managers Forum in Taguig City on Friday, January 16, 2026, Secretary Go highlighted two critical measures. The first is the signing of the integrated trade facilitation platform known as the National Single Window (NSW). This system will consolidate all trade-related requirements into one digital portal, significantly cutting red tape, reducing delays, and lowering costs for businesses.
"It's proven by global studies that a country with a national single window will really enhance trade and tax collection," Go stated, underscoring the platform's expected benefits.
The second measure addresses the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program. Despite President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s veto of its P4.32-billion allocation in the proposed 2026 national budget to curb unprogrammed appropriations, Go assured that funding is secure. He revealed that the Department of Budget and Management will soon release details of newly approved funding for the initiative.
"Car manufacturers enrolled in the program can now be assured that government will fulfill its commitment to investors," Go affirmed. The CARS program provides fixed investment and production volume incentives to automotive firms. As of 2025, the government has already disbursed P1.44 billion of the program's total P5.43-billion budget.
Boosting Tourism and Investor Confidence
Go also expressed strong support for the recent policy granting Chinese business owners and tourists a 14-day visa-free entry through Manila and Cebu airports. He believes this move will "boost tourism, trade and investments and further improve relationships with our largest trading partner."
According to the Finance Chief, these combined reforms, all aimed at easing business costs and improving infrastructure, were presented to private sector stakeholders to strengthen investor confidence and encourage greater capital inflows.
A Signal of Decisive Forward Momentum
"This is a clear signal that the Philippines is moving forward decisively and not being distracted," Go declared. He emphasized the resilience of the country's economic fundamentals despite past challenges.
"Despite the challenges of the past year, our long-term fundamentals remain strong and intact. Our stable macroeconomic environment, enabling policies and dynamic workforce provide a solid foundation for sustainable growth. With this, we are now advancing with big, bold reforms," he concluded, painting an optimistic picture for the nation's economic future.
