Domestic manufacturers today urged Senate to quickly return to legislative focus amid leadership changes.
“Political realignments happen. What businesses need is continuity in economic policy,” said Elizabeth H. Lee, chairperson of the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI).
“Clear priorities on energy, logistics, and competitiveness will reassure both local industry and foreign investors.”
FPI emphasized that the Philippines remains a strong investment destination if reforms stay on track.
The manufacturers’ group cited strong economic fundamentals and workforce. “But we need to get our act together as a country and stay focused on the path forward to prevent conditions from worsening. The opportunity is still within reach — we just need to move with clarity, discipline, and urgency,” Lee said.
With stability and steady execution, FPI said there is a big opportunity to turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s momentum.
“The opportunity is still within reach — we just need to move with clarity, discipline, and urgency,” Lee said.
Lee cited the overall inflation, which eases to 6.8 percent in May, helped by the slowdown in transport inflation to 16.2 percent, but underlying pressures remain after core inflation rose to 4.1 percent.
“The easing is welcome but limited. Core inflation reflects price pressures are still spreading across the economy,”
Lee said. “We should use this window to push reforms in power, logistics, and food systems so future relief is driven by stronger fundamentals, not temporary factors.”
Manufacturers continue to face elevated energy and logistics costs, imported input inflation, and wage pressures as households cope with rising food prices. Softer domestic demand is also weighing on non essential manufactured goods, while higher interest rates make working capital and capex financing more expensive.
“Industry is operating in a tight environment marked by elevated costs and cooling demand. Stability and clear reforms will determine whether we can turn these pressures into a more competitive industrial base,” Lee added.
