The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has expressed strong confidence that the Philippines can still achieve its economic growth target for the year 2025, despite facing significant headwinds.
Palace Maintains Optimism on Growth Trajectory
On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro conveyed the government's unwavering commitment to its economic objectives. She stated that President Marcos continues to direct his economic team to implement measures aimed at propelling the country's growth. "Once again, the President is exerting efforts for us to reach the target. We will continue to strive for it," Castro emphasized in Filipino.
This statement directly addresses growing concerns that the nation might miss its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expansion goal for the third year in a row. Castro acknowledged that recent disruptions, including public rallies, have negatively impacted economic activity. However, when pressed on whether the government still aims to hit its growth goal, her reply was unequivocal: "Definitely."
The Uphill Battle to Reach 5.5% to 6.5% Growth
The scale of the challenge was outlined a day earlier by Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan. During a media briefing on Monday, Balisacan revealed that the economy needs to grow by seven percent in the remaining period to achieve the full-year target range of 5.5 percent to 6.5 percent.
He admitted this is a formidable task, citing the economic impact of pressing issues such as natural disasters and the ongoing investigation into anomalous flood-control projects. To assess the situation, the inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) is scheduled to meet on December 9 to review the latest developments and their implications for the government's fiscal and economic targets.
Urgent Call to Congress on the 2026 Budget
In a related development, Press Officer Castro issued an urgent appeal to lawmakers. She urged Congress to accelerate its deliberations on the proposed 2026 national budget to prevent a reenacted spending program.
Castro warned that the administration wants to avoid a repeat of what she described as a "most anomalous" scenario with the 2025 reenacted budget. This could happen if legislators fail to pass the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) on time. "Speed up the work. The review must be expedited. The President does not want a reenacted budget. As much as possible, let's move faster," she implored in Filipino.
While acknowledging that time is short, Castro remained hopeful that Congress could still expedite the legislative process to ensure the timely passage of the crucial budget, which is seen as a key tool for driving economic growth and funding government programs in the coming year.
