Form 424B3 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPI
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Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration No. 333-286375
The information in this preliminary prospectus supplement is not complete and may be changed. A registration statement relating to these securities has been declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission. This preliminary prospectus supplement is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION DATED JUNE 16, 2026
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT TO PROSPECTUS DATED APRIL 4, 2025
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
% Global Bonds due 20
% Global Bonds due 20
US$ 5.750% Global Bonds due 2051
The Republic of the Philippines (the “Republic”) is offering in aggregate principal amount of its % global bonds due 20 (the “ global bonds”), in aggregate principal amount of its % global bonds due 20 (the “ global bonds”) and in aggregate principal amount of its 5.750% global bonds due 2051 (the “January 2051 global bonds”).We refer to the global bonds, the global bonds and January 2051 global bonds collectively as the “global bonds.” The Republic will pay interest on (i) the global bonds on and of each year, commencing on , 2026, (ii) the global bonds on and of each year, commencing on , 2026 and (iii) on the January 2051 global bonds on January 27 and July 27 of each year, commencing on July 27, 2026. The Republic may not redeem the global bonds prior to their maturity. The global bonds, global bonds and January 2051 global bonds will each mature at par on 20 , 20 and January 27, 2051, respectively. The offering of the global bonds of each series, each pursuant to this prospectus supplement, are not conditioned upon one another.
The January 2051 global bonds will be a further issuance of, and will form a single series with the existing U.S.$750,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Republic’s 5.750% global bonds due 2051 (ISIN US718286DL87; CUSIP 718286 DL8; Common Code 326476820) issued on January 27, 2026 (“original January 2051 global bonds”). The January 2051 global bonds offered hereby will have the same terms and CUSIP number as, and will trade interchangeably with, the original January 2051 global bonds immediately upon settlement. After giving effect to the offering, the total amount outstanding of the Republic’s global bonds due January 2051 will be U.S.$ .
The global bonds will be the direct, unconditional, unsecured and general obligations of the Republic and will rank without any preference among themselves and equally with all other present and future unsecured and unsubordinated external indebtedness of the Republic. It is understood that this provision shall not be construed so as to require the Republic to make payments under the global bonds ratably with payments being made under any other external indebtedness of the Republic.
The global bonds will be designated Collective Action Securities issued under a fiscal agency agreement, as supplemented, and constitute a separate series of debt securities under the fiscal agency agreement. The fiscal agency agreement contains provisions regarding future modifications to the terms of the global bonds that differ from those applicable to the Republic’s outstanding external public indebtedness issued prior to February 1, 2018. Under these provisions, which are described in the section entitled “Collective Action Securities,” on page 19 of the accompanying prospectus, the Republic may, among other things, amend the payment provisions of any series of debt securities (including the global bonds) and other reserve matters listed in the fiscal agency agreement with the consent of the holders of: (i) with respect to a single series of debt securities, more than 75% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series; (ii) with respect to two or more series of debt securities, if certain “uniformly applicable” requirements are met, more than 75% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of all series affected by the proposed modification, taken in the aggregate; or (iii) with respect to two or more series of debt securities, more than 66 2⁄3% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of all series affected by the proposed modification, taken in the aggregate, and more than 50% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series affected by the proposed modification, taken individually.
The offering of the global bonds is conditional on the receipt of certain approvals of the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the central bank of the Republic.
The global bonds are being offered globally for sale in the jurisdictions where it is lawful to make such offers and sales. Application has been made to admit the global bonds to listing on the Official List of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and to trading on the Euro MTF Market (“Euro MTF”). This prospectus supplement together with the prospectus dated April 4, 2025, constitute a prospectus for the purpose of Part IV of the Luxembourg law on prospectuses for securities dated July 16, 2019.
We expect to deliver the global bonds, global bonds and the global bonds (collectively, the “global bonds”) to investors in registered book-entry form only through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”), Clearstream Banking S.A. (“Clearstream, Luxembourg”) and Euroclear Bank SA/NV (“Euroclear”), on or about , 2026.
| 20 Global Bonds | 20 Global Bonds | January 2051 Global Bonds | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Per Bond | Total | Per Bond | Total | Per Bond | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Price to investors(1) |
(2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Underwriting discounts and commissions |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds, before expenses, to the Republic |
(2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (1) | Plus accrued interest, if any, from , 2026, if settlement occurs after that date. |
| (2) | Plus accrued interest totaling U.S.$ , from January 27, 2026, to but not including , 2026, the date the Republic expects to deliver the January 2051 global bonds offered by this prospectus supplement, and additional interest to the date of delivery, if later. |
Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Joint Global Coordinators, Joint Lead Managers and Joint Bookrunners
| BNP PARIBAS | Citigroup | HSBC | J.P. Morgan | MUFG | Standard Chartered Bank |
The date of this prospectus supplement is , 2026
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You should read this prospectus supplement along with the prospectus that accompanies it. You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this document and the accompanying prospectus or to which we have referred you. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different. This document may only be used where it is legal to sell these securities. This document and the accompanying prospectus may only be used for the purposes for which they have been published. The information in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may only be accurate as of the date of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, as applicable. Terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the meaning given to them in the prospectus that accompanies this prospectus supplement.
NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS
The Republic accepts responsibility for the information that is contained in this prospectus supplement and the prospectus that accompanies it. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the Republic (which has taken all reasonable care to ensure that such is the case), the information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is in accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such information.
The Republic is a foreign sovereign state. Consequently, it may be difficult for you to obtain or realize upon judgments of courts in the United States against the Republic. See “Description of the Securities—Description of the Debt Securities—Jurisdiction and Enforceability” in the accompanying prospectus.
The distribution of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and the offering of the global bonds may be legally restricted in some countries. If you wish to distribute this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, you should observe any applicable restrictions. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus should not be considered an offer, and it is prohibited to use them to make an offer, in any state or country in which the making of the offering of the global bonds is prohibited. For a description of some restrictions on the offering and sale of the global bonds and the distribution of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, see “Underwriting” on page S-135.
This document is only being distributed to and is only directed at (A) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (B) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”) or (C) high net worth companies, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (e) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”). The global bonds are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such global bonds will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.
Singapore SFA Product Classification—The global bonds are ‘prescribed capital markets products’ (as defined in the CMP Regulations 2018) and Excluded Investment Products (as defined in MAS Notices SFA 04-N12: Notice on the Sale of Investment Products and MAS Notice FAA-N16: Notice on Recommendations on Investment Products).
Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission Code of Conduct (Paragraph 21—Bookbuilding and Placing Activities)—Prospective investors should be aware that certain intermediaries in the context of this offering of the global bonds, including certain underwriters, are “capital market intermediaries” (“CMIs”) subject to Paragraph 21 of the Code of Conduct for Persons Licensed by or Registered with the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (the “SFC Code”). This notice to prospective investors is a summary of certain obligations the SFC Code imposes on such CMIs, which require the attention and cooperation of prospective investors. Certain CMIs may also be acting as “overall coordinators” (“OCs”) for this offering and are subject to additional requirements under the SFC Code.
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Associated Orders and Proprietary Orders: Prospective investors who are the directors, employees or major shareholders of the Republic, a CMI or any of its group companies would be considered under the SFC Code as having an association (“Association”) with the Republic, the relevant CMI or the relevant group company (as the case may be). Prospective investors associated with the Republic or any CMI (including its group companies) should specifically disclose this when placing an order for the global bonds and should disclose, at the same time, if such orders may negatively impact the price discovery process in relation to this offering. Prospective investors who do not disclose their Associations are hereby deemed not to be so associated. Where prospective investors disclose their Associations but do not disclose that such order may negatively impact the price discovery process in relation to this offering, such order is hereby deemed not to negatively impact the price discovery process in relation to this offering.
Order Book Transparency: Prospective investors should ensure, and by placing an order, prospective investors are deemed to confirm, that orders placed are bona fide, are not inflated and do not constitute duplicated orders (i.e. two or more corresponding or identical orders placed via two or more CMIs). If a prospective investor is an asset management arm affiliated with any underwriter, such prospective investor should indicate when placing an order if it is for a fund or portfolio where the underwriter or its group company has more than 50% interest, in which case it will be classified as a “proprietary order” and subject to appropriate handling by CMIs in accordance with the SFC Code and should disclose, at the same time, if such “proprietary order” may negatively impact the price discovery process in relation to this offering. Prospective investors who do not indicate this information when placing an order are hereby deemed to confirm that their order is not such a “proprietary order.” If a prospective investor is otherwise affiliated with any underwriter, such that its order may be considered to be a “proprietary order” (pursuant to the SFC Code), such prospective investor should indicate to the relevant underwriter when placing such order. Prospective investors who do not indicate this information when placing an order are hereby deemed to confirm that their order is not such a “proprietary order”. Where prospective investors disclose such information but do not disclose that such “proprietary order” may negatively impact the price discovery process in relation to this offering, such “proprietary order” is hereby deemed not to negatively impact the price discovery process in relation to this offering.
Prospective investors should be aware that certain information may be disclosed by CMIs (including private banks) which is personal and/or confidential in nature to the prospective investor. By placing an order, prospective investors are deemed to have understood and consented to the collection, disclosure, use and transfer of such information by the underwriters and/or any other third parties as may be required by the SFC Code, including to the Republic, any OCs, relevant regulators and/or any other third parties as may be required by the SFC Code, it being understood and agreed that such information shall only be used for the purpose of complying with the SFC Code, during the bookbuilding process for this offering. Failure to provide such information may result in that order being rejected.
All references in this prospectus supplement (a) to the “Republic” or the “Philippines” are to the Republic of the Philippines, (b) to the “Government” are to the national government of the Philippines and (c) to “Bangko Sentral” or “BSP” are to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the central bank of the Philippines.
Unless otherwise indicated, all references in this prospectus supplement to “P” are to the lawful national currency of the Philippines, and those to “dollars,” “U.S. dollars,” “US$,” “U.S.$” or “$” are to the lawful currency of the United States of America, and those to “Euro”, “EUR” or “” are to the currency introduced at the start of the third stage of the European Economic and Monetary Union pursuant to the Treaty establishing the European Community.
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This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. You should read the entire prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus carefully.
| Issuer |
Republic of the Philippines. |
| Bonds |
The % global bonds due 20 (the “ global bonds”), the % global bonds due 20 (the “ global bonds”) and the 5.750% global bonds due 2051 (the “January 2051 global bonds”). The global bonds, the global bonds and January 2051 global bonds are together referred to as the “global bonds”. |
| Interest |
The global bonds will bear interest at % from , 2026, payable semi-annually in arrear. |
| The global bonds will bear interest at % from , 2026, payable semi-annually in arrear. |
| The January 2051 global bonds will bear interest at 5.750% from January 27, 2026, payable semi-annually in arrear. |
| January 2051 Global Notes Further Issue |
The January 2051 bonds will be a further issuance of, and will form a single series with the existing U.S.$750,000,000 5.750% global bonds due 2051 (ISIN US718286DL87, CUSIP 718286 DL8, Common Code 326476820) issued on January 27, 2026. The January 2051 bonds offered hereby will have the same terms and CUSIP number as, and will trade interchangeably with, the original 2051 global bonds immediately upon settlement. After giving effect to the offering, the total amount outstanding of the Republic’s global bonds due January 2051 will be U.S.$ . |
| Qualified Reopening of the January 2051 Global Bonds |
It is expected that the 2051 global bonds offered hereby should be treated as issued in a “qualified reopening” of the January 2051 global bonds for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If the 2051 global bonds are so treated, they will be considered to have the same issue date and issue price as the January 2051 global bonds for U.S federal income tax purposes and will be fungible with the January 2051 global notes for such purposes. See “Taxation – Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.” |
| Issue Date |
The global bonds: , 2026. |
| The global bonds: , 2026. |
| The January 2051 global bonds: , 2026. |
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| Interest Payment Dates |
With respect to each of the global bonds and the global bonds: |
| and of each year, payable to the persons who are registered holders thereof at the close of business on the preceding or , as applicable, whether or not a business day. The first interest payment will be made on , 2026 in respect of the period from (and including) , 2026 to (but excluding) , 2026. |
| With respect to the January 2051 global bonds: |
| January 27 and July 27 of each year, payable to the persons who are registered holders thereof at the close of business on the preceding January 22 or July 22, as applicable, whether or not a business day. The first interest payment will be made on July 27, 2026 in respect of the period from (and including) January 27, 2026 to (but excluding) July 27, 2026. |
| Maturity Date |
The global bonds: , 20 . |
The global bonds: , 20 .
| The January 2051 global bonds: January 27, 2051. |
| Issuer Redemption |
The Republic may not redeem the global bonds prior to maturity. |
| Status of Bonds |
The global bonds will be direct, unconditional, unsecured and general obligations of the Republic and will rank without any preference among themselves and equally with all other present and future unsecured and unsubordinated External Indebtedness (as defined in the accompanying prospectus) of the Republic. It is understood that this provision shall not be construed so as to require the Republic to make payments under the global bonds ratably with payments being made under any other external indebtedness of the Republic. The full faith and credit of the Republic will be pledged for the due and punctual payment of all principal and interest on the global bonds. See “Description of the Securities—Description of the Debt Securities—Status of Bonds” in the accompanying prospectus. |
| Negative Pledge |
With certain exceptions, the Republic has agreed that it will not create or permit to subsist any Lien (as defined in the accompanying prospectus) on its revenues or assets to secure External Public Indebtedness (as defined in the accompanying prospectus) of the Republic, unless at the same time or prior thereto, the global bonds are secured at least equally and ratably with such External Public Indebtedness. The international reserves of Bangko Sentral represent substantially all of the official gross international reserves of the Republic. Because Bangko Sentral is an independent entity, the Republic and Bangko Sentral believe that the international reserves owned by Bangko Sentral are not subject to the negative pledge covenant in the global bonds and that Bangko Sentral could in the |
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| future incur External Public Indebtedness secured by such reserves without securing amounts payable under the global bonds. See “Description of the Securities—Description of the Debt Securities— Negative Pledge Covenant” in the accompanying prospectus. |
| Taxation |
The Republic will make all payments of principal and interest in respect of the global bonds free and clear of, and without withholding or deducting, any present or future taxes of any nature imposed by or within the Republic, unless required by law. In that event, the Republic will pay additional amounts so that the holders of the global bonds receive the amounts that would have been received by them had no withholding or deduction been required, subject to certain exceptions. See “Description of the Securities—Description of the Debt Securities—Additional Amounts” in the accompanying prospectus. |
| Collective Action Clauses |
The global bonds will be designated Collective Action Securities issued under a fiscal agency agreement, as supplemented, and constitute a separate series of debt securities under the fiscal agency agreement. The fiscal agency agreement contains provisions regarding future modifications to the terms of the global bonds that differ from those applicable to the Republic’s outstanding external public indebtedness issued prior to February 1, 2018. Under these provisions, which are described in the section entitled “Collective Action Securities” on page 19 of the accompanying prospectus, the Republic may, among other things, amend the payment provisions of any series of debt securities (including the global bonds) and other reserve matters listed in the fiscal agency agreement with the consent of the holders of: (i) with respect to a single series of debt securities, more than 75% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series; (ii) with respect to two or more series of debt securities, if certain “uniformly applicable” requirements are met, more than 75% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of all series affected by the proposed modification, taken in the aggregate; or (iii) with respect to two or more series of debt securities, more than 66 2⁄3% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of all series affected by the proposed modification, taken in the aggregate, and more than 50% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series affected by the proposed modification, taken individually. |
| Cross-Defaults |
Events of default with respect to the global bonds include (i) if the Republic fails to make a payment of principal, premium, prepayment charge or interest when due on any External Public Indebtedness with a principal amount equal to or greater than $25,000,000 or its equivalent, and this failure continues beyond the applicable grace period; or (ii) if any External Public Indebtedness of the Republic or the central monetary authority in principal amount equal to or greater than $25,000,000 is accelerated, other than by optional or mandatory prepayment or redemption. See “Collective Action Securities— Events of Default: Cross Default and Cross Acceleration” in the accompanying prospectus. |
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| Listing |
The Republic is offering the global bonds for sale in the United States and elsewhere where such offer and sale is permitted. Application has been made to admit the global bonds to listing on the Official List of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and to trading on the Euro MTF. |
| Form, Denomination and Registration |
The global bonds will be issued in fully registered form in minimum denominations of US$200,000 and integral multiples of US$1,000 in excess thereof. The global bonds will be represented by one or more global securities registered in the name of a depositary, its nominee or a custodian. Beneficial interests in the global securities will be shown on, and the transfer thereof will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary and its direct and indirect participants. Settlement of all secondary market trading activity in the global bonds will be made in immediately available funds. See “Description of the Securities—Description of the Debt Securities—Global Securities” in the accompanying prospectus. |
| Further Issues |
The Republic may from time to time, without notice to or the consent of the registered holders of the global bonds, issue further bonds which will form a single series with the global bonds. See “Collective Action Securities—Further Issues of Debt Securities” in the accompanying prospectus. |
| Use of Proceeds |
The Republic intends to use the net cash proceeds from the sale of the global bonds for general purposes of the Republic, including budgetary support. |
| Fiscal Agent |
The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor in interest to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.). |
| Governing Law |
The fiscal agency agreement (as defined below) and the global bonds will be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York. The laws of the Republic will govern all matters governing authorization and execution of the fiscal agency agreement and the global bonds by the Republic. |
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The Republic intends to use the net cash proceeds from the sale of the global bonds for general purposes of the Republic, including budgetary support. None of the underwriters shall have any responsibility for the application of the net cash proceeds from the sale of the global bonds.
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The information contained in this section supplements the information about the Republic corresponding to the headings below that is contained in Exhibit 99.D to the Republic’s annual report on Form 18-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. To the extent the information in this section differs from the information contained in such annual report, you should rely on the information in this section. Capitalized terms not defined in this section have the meanings ascribed to them in the annual report.
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SUMMARY REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
General
The Philippine archipelago has over 7,000 islands with a total land area of approximately 300,000 square kilometers. The islands are grouped into three geographic regions: Luzon, the largest island, in the north, covering an area of 141,395 square kilometers; Visayas in the central region, covering an area of 56,606 square kilometers; and Mindanao in the south, covering an area of 101,999 square kilometers. Manila is the Republic’s capital. As of the 2024 Census of Population and Housing (the “2024 Census”) conducted by the NSO, the Republic’s population was estimated at approximately 112.7 million.
Government and Politics
The Republic’s current constitution (the “Constitution”) was adopted by plebiscite in 1987. The ratification of the Constitution in 1987 restored a presidential form of government consisting of three branches: executive, legislative and judiciary. Executive power is vested in the President, who is elected by direct popular vote and who may serve one term of six years. Legislative authority is vested in the Congress of the Philippines, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Judicial power is vested in the Supreme Court and in various lower courts.
Economy
The Philippines has a mixed economy in which the Government is directly engaged in certain economic activities through government financial institutions (“GFIs”) and government-owned and controlled corporations (“GOCCs”), which are corporations of which at least 51% of the capital stock is owned by the Government either directly or indirectly through its instrumentalities. The Government actively encourages domestic and foreign private investment. The Philippines has undertaken liberalization of trade and investment in tandem with the deregulation of the financial system, foreign exchange liberalization, tax reforms, acceleration of privatization, enhancement of competition in the provision and operation of public utilities, and deregulation of the oil and power industries.
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Selected Economic Information of the Republic of the Philippines
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024(1) | 2025(4) | 2026(6) | |||||||||||||||||||
| (₱ in billions, except as indicated) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GDP (at then-current market prices) |
19,410.6 | 22,028.3 | 24,313.6 | 26,436.8 | 28,009.9 | 6,933.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
| GDP (at constant 2018 prices) |
18,540.1 | 19,945.6 | 21,046.4 | 22,249.1 | 23,228.6 | 5,627.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| GDP per capita, PPP concept (in $ at then- current market prices)(2) |
9,101 | 10,406 | 11,288 | 12,123 | 12,900 | 13,366 | (14) | |||||||||||||||||
| GDP growth rate (%) (at constant 2018 prices) |
5.7 | 7.6 | 5.5 | 5.7 | 4.4 | 2.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer price inflation rate (2018 CPI basket)(3) |
3.9 | 5.8 | 6.0 | 3.2 | 1.7 | 4.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Government surplus/(deficit) as % of GDP (at then-current market prices) |
(8.6 | ) | (7.3 | ) | (6.2 | ) | (5.7 | ) | (5.6 | ) | N/A | |||||||||||||
| Government debt at end of period as % of GDP (at then-current market prices) |
60.4 | 60.9 | 60.1 | 60.7 | 63.2 | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||
| Public sector borrowing requirement(5) |
(1,619.3 | ) | (1,556.6 | ) | (1,420.2 | ) | (1,418.0 | ) | (1,485.9 | ) | N/A | |||||||||||||
| Consolidated public sector financial position(7) |
(1,092.0 | ) | (804.9 | ) | (777.5 | ) | (730.3 | ) | (603.8 | ) | N/A | |||||||||||||
| Current account surplus/(deficit) as % of GDP (at then-current market prices) |
(1.5 | ) | (4.5 | ) | (2.8 | ) | (4.0 | ) | (3.3 | ) | N/A | |||||||||||||
| Overall balance of payments position at end of period as % of GDP (at then-current market prices)(8) |
0.3 | (1.8 | ) | 0.8 | 0.1 | (1.1 | ) | N/A | ||||||||||||||||
| Direct domestic debt of the Government (in million ₱)(9)(10) |
8,170,414 | 9,208,387 | 10,017,930 | 10,930,415 | 12,116,253 | 12,415,390 | (15) | |||||||||||||||||
| Direct external debt of the Government (in million $)(10)(11) |
69,803 | 75,436 | 82,976 | 88,525 | 95,111 | 98,395 | (15) | |||||||||||||||||
| Public sector domestic debt(12) |
7,315.0 | 8,538.9 | 9,753.3 | 10,741.6 | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||
| Public sector external debt(11)(12) |
3,939.8 | 4,606.1 | 4,961.4 | 5,412.1 | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||
| Unemployment rate (%) |
7.8 | 5.4 | 4.4 | 3.8 | 4.2 | 5.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gross international reserves (in billion $)(10)(13) |
108.8 | 96.1 | 103.8 | 106.3 | 110.8 | 104.0 | (16) | |||||||||||||||||
Sources: Philippine Statistics Authority; Bureau of the Treasury; Department of Finance; Bangko Sentral.
Notes:
| (1) | Preliminary data as of and for the year ended December 31, 2024, unless otherwise stated. |
| (2) | Figure represents annualized per capita GDP, PPP concept. Amounts in pesos have been translated into U.S. dollars using the average Bangko Sentral reference exchange rates for the applicable period. |
| (3) | Effective February 4, 2022, the base year of the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”) was updated from 2012 to 2018. The rebasing of the CPI is done periodically (1) to ensure that the CPI market basket continues to capture goods and services commonly purchased by households over time; (2) to update expenditure patterns of households; and (3) to synchronize its base year with the 2018 base year of the GDP and other indices. 2022 figures are based on preliminary data as of July 31, 2022. 2022 data is an average of monthly inflation figures. |
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| (4) | Preliminary data as of and for the year ended December 31, 2025, unless otherwise stated. |
| (5) | Represents the aggregate deficit or surplus of the Government, the Central Bank-Board of Liquidation (the “CB-BOL”), the Oil Price Stabilization Fund and the major GOCCs (as defined below), the debt of which comprises virtually all the debt incurred by GOCCs. |
| (6) | Preliminary data as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2026, unless otherwise stated. |
| (7) | Comprises the aggregated deficit or surplus of the Government, the CB-BOL’s accounts, the major GOCCs, the Social Security System, the Government Service Insurance System, Bangko Sentral, the GFIs and local government units. |
| (8) | Overall balance of payments has been revised to reflect late reports, post-audit adjustments and final data from companies. See “Balance of Payments—Revisions” for a more detailed discussion of recent and pending revisions to previously reported data. |
| (9) | Represents debt of the Government only and does not include other public sector debt. Includes direct debt obligations of the Government, the proceeds of which are on-lent to GOCCs and other public sector entities, but excludes debt guaranteed by the Government and debt originally guaranteed by other public sector entities for which the guarantee has been assumed by the Government. |
| (10) | Amounts in original currencies were translated into U.S. dollars or pesos, as applicable, using the Bangko Sentral reference exchange rates at the end of each applicable period. |
| (11) | Represents debt of the Government, the major GOCCs, the CB-BOL, Bangko Sentral and the GFIs. |
| (12) | Includes public sector debt, whether or not guaranteed by the Government. |
| (13) | Comprises the holdings by Bangko Sentral of gold reserves, foreign investments, foreign exchange and SDRs, including Bangko Sentral’s reserve position in the IMF. |
| (14) | Annualized. |
| (15) | Preliminary data as of April 30, 2026. |
| (16) | Preliminary data as of May 31, 2026. |
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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
History, Land and People
History
Spain governed the Philippines as a colony from 1521 until 1898. On June 12, 1898, during the Spanish-American War, the Filipinos declared their independence. The United States claimed sovereignty over the Philippines under the 1898 Treaty of Paris, which ended the Spanish-American War, and governed the Philippines as a colony until 1935, when the Philippines became a self-governing commonwealth. On July 4, 1946, the Philippines became an independent republic.
Geography and General Information
The Philippine archipelago, located in Southeast Asia, comprises over 7,000 islands and a total land area of approximately 300,000 square kilometers. The Republic groups the islands into three geographic regions: Luzon in the north, covering an area of 141,395 square kilometers, Visayas in the center, covering an area of 56,606 square kilometers, and Mindanao in the south, covering an area of 101,999 square kilometers. The Republic is also divided into 18 administrative regions.
Note: For a discussion of territorial disputes over certain islands in the West Philippine Sea, see “—Government—Territorial Dispute over the West Philippine Sea”.
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2020 Census and 2024 Census
The Republic’s population was 109.0 million according to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing (the “2020 Census”), representing an increase of 9.4% or 8.1 million people as compared to the 2015 Census and an increase of 18.1% or 16.7 million people as compared to the 2010 Census. The Republic’s population increased by 1.6% annually, on average, during the period from 2015 to 2020, which was lower than the 1.7% average annual growth rate during the period from 2010 to 2015. Of the Republic’s 18 administrative regions, Region IV-A (Calabarzon) had the largest population in 2020 at 16.2 million, followed by the National Capital Region with 13.5 million and Region III (Central Luzon) with 12.4 million. The combined population of these three regions accounted for approximately 38.6% of the Republic’s population in 2020. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (“BARMM”), formerly known as the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (the “ARMM”), was the fastest growing region during the period from 2015 to 2020, with an average annual population growth rate of 3.1%. Of the Republic’s 81 provinces, Cavite was the most populous in 2020 at 4.3 million, followed by Bulacan at 3.7 million and Laguna at 3.4 million. In total, 29 provinces had populations in excess of 1.0 million.
The Republic’s population was 112.7 million according to the 2024 Census, representing an increase of 3.4% or 3.7 million people compared to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing and an increase of 11.6% or 11.7 million people compared to the 2015 Census. The Republic’s population increased by 0.8% annually, on average, during the period from 2020 to 2024, which was lower than the 1.6% average annual growth rate during the period from 2015 to 2020. Of the Republic’s 18 administrative regions, Region IV-A (CALABARZON) had the largest population in 2024 at 16.9 million, followed by the National Capital Region with 14.0 million, and Region III (Central Luzon) with 13.0 million. The combined population of these three regions accounted for approximately 39.0% of the Republic’s population in 2024. The BARMM was the fastest growing region during the period from 2020 to 2024, with an average annual population growth rate of 3.4%. Of the Republic’s 82 provinces, Cavite was the most populous in 2024 at 4.6 million, followed by Bulacan at 3.9 million, and Laguna at 3.7 million. In total, 29 provinces had populations in excess of 1.0 million.
The Republic has a relatively young population, with about 40% of the population under the age of 20 and a median age of 25.3, according to the 2020 Census.
The following table shows the population of the Republic, by age group, according to the 2020 Census.
2020 Household Population by Age
| Age group |
Total household population |
Percentage of total population in age group |
||||||
| Under 5 |
11,069,479 | 10.2 | % | |||||
| 5 – 9 |
11,270,637 | 10.3 | % | |||||
| 10 – 14 |
11,091,362 | 10.2 | % | |||||
| 15 – 19 |
10,482,815 | 9.6 | % | |||||
| 20 – 24 |
10,024,753 | 9.2 | % | |||||
| 25 – 29 |
9,229,288 | 8.5 | % | |||||
| 30 – 34 |
8,171,423 | 7.5 | % | |||||
| 35 – 39 |
7,221,785 | 6.6 | % | |||||
| 40 – 44 |
6,528,846 | 6.0 | % | |||||
| 45 – 49 |
5,598,765 | 5.1 | % | |||||
| 50 – 54 |
4,964,629 | 4.6 | % | |||||
| 55 – 59 |
4,137,342 | 3.8 | % | |||||
| 60 – 64 |
3,375,290 | 3.1 | % | |||||
| 65 – 69 |
2,398,116 | 2.2 | % | |||||
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| Age group |
Total household population |
Percentage of total population in age group |
||||||
| 70 – 74 |
1,578,185 | 1.4 | % | |||||
| 75 – 79 |
932,231 | 0.9 | % | |||||
| 80 and over |
958,299 | 0.9 | % | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total |
108,667,043 | 100.0 | % | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Median Age |
25.3 | |||||||
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority, 2020 Census.
The majority of Filipinos have Malay ethnic origins. Filipino culture also includes strong Spanish, Chinese, and American influences.
Filipino is the national language, but English is the primary language used in business, government and education. The population speaks over 80 other dialects and languages, including Chinese and Spanish. As of 2019, the Republic’s functional literacy rate was 91.6%.
Christianity, primarily Roman Catholicism, is the predominant religion in the Philippines. A significant Muslim minority lives in Mindanao.
Government
Governmental Structure
Since 1935, the Republic has had three constitutions. The country adopted the current Constitution by plebiscite in February 1987 after Ferdinand E. Marcos, who had ruled for 20 years, was ousted a year earlier in favor of Corazon Aquino (who opposed Marcos in the 1986 presidential election) following a people’s uprising. The Constitution restored a presidential form of government composed of three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial.
The principal features of each branch are as follows:
| | Executive—The President, elected by popular vote for a single, six-year term, exercises executive power. If the President dies, becomes permanently disabled, is removed from office, or resigns, the Vice President acts as President for the remainder of the term. If the Vice President cannot serve, the President of the Senate or, if he or she cannot serve, the Speaker of the House of Representatives acts as President until the election and qualification of a new President or Vice President. The person acting as President for any remaining term may, if elected, serve a six-year term as President. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. commenced serving his six-year term on July 1, 2022, and his term will end on June 30, 2028. |
| | Legislative—The Congress, comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives, exercises the Republic’s legislative authority. The Constitution mandates a Senate of 24 members and a House of Representatives of not more than 250 members (excluding sectoral representatives), all elected by popular vote. Senators serve for a term of six years and members of the House of Representatives for a term of three years. Senate and House of Representatives seats are subject to two consecutive term and three consecutive term limits, respectively. |
| | Judicial—The Supreme Court and any lower courts established by law exercise the Republic’s judicial authority. The Republic’s court system is a multi-tiered system of courts of general jurisdiction that includes the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals. Below these are the Regional Trial Courts, Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts, which are all courts of original jurisdiction. |
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Elections
On May 9, 2022, national and local elections were held throughout the Philippines, including the election of the president and vice president of the Republic, and elections for 12 senators and all members of the House of Representatives. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas and Vice President Sara Z. Duterte of Lakas-CMD were elected and took office on July 1, 2022, marking the end of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s six-year term.
In October 2023, the Republic held the local Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.
In May 2025, elections were held for 12 Senators and all members of the House of Representatives, who, together with the 12 Senators who did not face re-election, constitute the 20th Congress of the Republic.
Corruption Investigations and Other Proceedings
In the last few years, a number of current and past officials of the Government have been investigated or indicted for graft, corruption, plunder, extortion, bribery, or usurpation of authority. For example, there have been three impeachment complaints filed against the current vice president, impeachment proceedings against two then presidents, as well as one then chief justice of the Supreme Court.
Political Violence
Political violence is not uncommon in the Republic. As of September 2019, more than 20 mayors and vice-mayors in the Philippines have been killed, some of these officials were alleged to have been involved in the illegal drug trade. In December 2019, a special court convicted eight members of the Ampatuan family, members of which governed the southern province of Maguindanao for decades, along with 20 other defendants on multiple counts of murder for their roles in a 2009 ambush on an election motorcade, which killed 57 people, including political opponents of the Ampatuan family and 30 journalists. As of June 2023, at least 38 deaths were recorded in cases involving violence and killings directed towards local government officials.
Impeachment of the Vice President
On February 5, 2025, the House of Representatives impeached Vice President Sara Z. Duterte on charges of misuse of public funds, unexplained wealth, and threats against the President; however, the Supreme Court unanimously declared those proceedings unconstitutional on July 25, 2025, barring refiling until February 6, 2026. Following the filing of new complaints in February 2026, 257 members of the House of Representatives voted on May 11, 2026 to impeach the Vice President a second time on substantially similar charges. The Senate formally convened as an impeachment court on May 18, 2026, and the Senate trial on the merits is expected to commence on or about July 6, 2026.
Efforts Against the Illegal Drug Trade
Former President Duterte made fighting the illegal drug trade a central focus of his administration. Since July 1, 2016, the Philippine National Police (“PNP”) arrested more than 345,000 individuals allegedly involved in illegal drugs, including more than 15,000 high-value targets over the course of more than 239,000 drug operations. Representatives of certain international organizations and foreign nations, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights of the United Nations and the United States, have expressed concern over reports of extrajudicial killings in the Republic in connection with these operations. In December 2019, lawmakers in the United States proposed legislation that would impose travel restrictions and financial sanctions on officials found to be involved in extrajudicial killings and the imprisonment of former Philippine Senator De Lima, a prominent critic of the Duterte administration’s operations against illegal drugs. In September 2021, the International Criminal Court (“ICC”) opened an investigation of whether or not the crime against humanity of
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murder was committed between November 1, 2011 and March 16, 2019 in the context of the “war on drugs”. On March 11, 2025, former President Duterte was arrested and placed in government custody following an arrest warrant issued by the ICC for crimes against humanity. On March 12, 2025, he was transferred to the custody of the ICC. On March 14, 2025, former President Duterte appeared in the first hearing via video link, as authorized by the Chamber. The confirmation of charges hearing took place from February 23, 2026 to February 27, 2026. On April 23, 2026, Pre-Trial Chamber I unanimously confirmed all the charges comprised of three counts of crimes against humanity brought by the Prosecutor against former President Duterte and committed him to trial before a Trial Chamber. On November 6, 2025, the ICC issued a secret arrest warrant against Philippine Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, the former Davao City Police Director and later Chief of the Philippine National Police, for the crime against humanity of murder committed in connection with the “war on drugs.” The warrant was unsealed and then publicly confirmed by the ICC on May 11, 2026. On May 20, 2026, the Supreme Court rejected Dela Rosa’s petition to block enforcement of the warrant, and relevant government officials have since stated that he will be arrested.
In November 2022, the Government launched its anti-drug campaign, Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan or BIDA program, that aims to focus on prevention, demand reduction and rehabilitation in communities. The Marcos administration intends to continue efforts against illegal drugs.
Administrative Organization
As of December 31, 2025, the Republic had 18 administrative regions and 43,734 local government units (“LGUs”). LGUs included 82 provinces, 149 cities, 1,493 municipalities (subdivisions of provinces), and 42,010 barangays. Highly urbanized cities function independently of any province, while other cities are subject to the administrative supervision of the provinces in which they are located.
The Government is organized primarily around the various departments and department-equivalent agencies of the executive branch, which implement the various programs and projects of the Government. The departments and department-equivalent agencies are grouped into the following five sectors.
| Sector |
Major Department | |
| Social services |
Health; Education, Culture and Sports; Labor and Employment; Social Welfare and Development; Migrant Workers | |
| Economic services |
Agriculture; Agrarian Reform; Energy; Environment and Natural Resources; Tourism; Trade and Industry; Public Works and Highways; Transportation and Communications; Science and Technology | |
| Defense |
National Defense | |
| General public services |
Foreign Affairs; Finance; Budget and Management; Interior and Local Government; Justice; National Economic and Development Authority; Office of the Press Secretary; BARMM; Cordillera Administrative Region | |
| Constitutional offices |
General Public Services (Elections, Audit, Civil Service, Public Order and Safety, Office of the Ombudsman); Social Services (Human Rights) | |
Devolution of Certain Executive Branch Functions
On June 1, 2021, then President Duterte signed Executive Order No. 138, which directs the full devolution of certain national government functions to local government units. National government functions expected to
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be devolved to local governments include, among others, those related to local infrastructure, health care, livelihood, agriculture, and social welfare. Under Executive Order No. 138, national government agencies would instead assume more strategic and steering functions going forward to address persistent development issues.
The Government is currently studying issues pertaining to the operationalization of the devolution to local governments and decentralization of functions of the national government so as to provide clearer parameters on the functions, services, and facilities that are to be devolved.
Government Corporations
The Government owns or controls a number of corporations that provide essential goods and services to the public and work with the private sector to encourage economic growth and development. Originally restricted to basic public services and national monopolies, the number of government-owned and controlled corporations (“GOCCs”) grew from 13 in the 1930s to 301 by 1984. GOCCs are fiscally significant as major contributors to government revenue or as recipients of direct and indirect support from government revenue. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, GOCCs contributed over ₱100.0 billion through dividend remittances to the Government, which was used to fund social and health related expenditures, as well as to provide financial relief for industries severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of December 31, 2025, there were 112 GOCCs, including government financial institutions (“GFIs”), which currently account for a significant proportion of the public sector’s domestic and external debt. The Government closely monitors the contribution to the Consolidated Public Sector Fiscal Position (“CPSFP”) and other financial indicators of two GFIs that provide credit to enterprises in support of public policies: Land Bank of the Philippines (“LBP”) and Development Bank of the Philippines (“DBP”). As of December 31, 2025, DBP and LBP had an aggregate domestic and external debt of around ₱115.68 billion, which represented 27.97% of the debt owed by 24 major GOCCs, which form part of the CPSFP.
The Government has implemented a general policy to improve the corporate governance and financial performance of GOCCs by encouraging adequate contribution by these GOCCs to the Government’s fiscal consolidation efforts, integrity, efficient and effective delivery of public services, sustainability, transparency, and accountability. Further to its privatization strategies, the Government has also sought decreased intervention in the business affairs of other GOCCs in view of its policy objective for GOCCs to be self-sustaining; however, in certain instances, the Government supports the transactions of such corporations by acting as guarantor for obligations and providing such other assistance as it deems necessary and as may be allowable under law. Since 2011, several GOCCs have either been privatized or abolished by the Government, or have been classified as inactive, non-operational, or otherwise disposed of by the Government.
Marcos Administration Policy
In his fourth State of the Nation Address on July 28, 2025, President Marcos presented a candid assessment of the country’s challenges while outlining his administration’s priorities for the remainder of his term. The address focused on food security, social services, infrastructure, education, healthcare, energy, and government accountability.
On agriculture and food security, President Marcos emphasized the administration’s efforts to increase agricultural production and strengthen support for farmers and fisherfolk. He highlighted initiatives aimed at improving food affordability, including the nationwide rollout of subsidized rice through KADIWA centers and the continued implementation of programs to enhance food security and agricultural productivity.
The President also underscored the importance of improving access to basic services, particularly water and electricity. He discussed ongoing efforts to expand energy access, improve public utilities, and ensure that essential services reach underserved communities.
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Infrastructure remained a key pillar of the administration’s development agenda. President Marcos reported progress in transport, digital, and energy infrastructure projects while stressing the need for quality and accountability in public works. He notably ordered a review of flood control projects and vowed to hold accountable officials and contractors involved in substandard or anomalous infrastructure projects. The administration likewise reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and supporting economic development through continued infrastructure investments.
In the education sector, President Marcos acknowledged persistent learning gaps among Filipino students, particularly in reading, mathematics, and science. He pledged reforms to address the country’s learning crisis, improve educational outcomes, expand digital connectivity, and provide internet access to public schools. The President reiterated that education remains among the administration’s highest priorities.
On health and social welfare, the President highlighted ongoing efforts to improve healthcare delivery and access to essential services. He emphasized the need for government programs to respond more efficiently to the needs of Filipino families, particularly in the areas of healthcare, nutrition, and poverty alleviation.
Regarding employment and economic development, President Marcos reiterated the administration’s commitment to creating jobs, supporting small enterprises, attracting investments, and sustaining economic growth. He emphasized that economic gains must translate into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Filipinos through affordable food, quality employment, and accessible public services.
President Marcos concluded by reaffirming his commitment to deliver concrete results during the remaining years of his administration, emphasizing efficient governance, accountability, and the need to address the everyday concerns of Filipino families while sustaining the country’s long-term development and resilience.
Philippine Development Plan and Barangay Development Plan
The Philippine Development Plan for 2023 to 2028 was approved by the National Economic and Development Agency (“NEDA”) Board, which is headed by the President, on December 16, 2022, following a series of Cabinet-level and technical inter-agency discussions and stakeholder consultation. The updated Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 fleshes out the 8-point socioeconomic agenda of the Marcos administration that seeks to address the Republic’s short-term issues and medium-term constraints to growth and inclusion. It provides a comprehensive roadmap containing actionable policies and programs, and legislative priorities that will enable the Republic to reach its desired development outcome of economic and social transformation.
Under the Marcos administration, the Barangay Development Program (“BDP”) has also been established to prevent the resurgence of communist insurgency groups in geographically isolated communities by addressing underlying factors to the conflict such as poverty. Communities which receive the BDP are classified as those who were former strongholds or under the influence of CPP-NPA-NDF fronts and are now ripe for development intervention. The BDP pursues this aim through the implementation of socio-economic development projects designed to encourage development and social inclusivity such as the construction of farm-to-market roads, school buildings, water and sanitation systems, health stations, and livelihood programs. In 2023, approximately 1,254 eligible projects were identified for planned implementation under the BDP.
Credit Ratings
In April 2026, Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) affirmed the Republic’s “Baa2” credit rating with a stable outlook, while noting rising risks to the economy from the Middle East conflict. Moody’s raised its inflation forecasts and lowered its growth outlook, now expecting real GDP growth of 4.9% in 2026 (down from 5.5%), citing elevated energy and import costs that are expected to squeeze household incomes, dampen consumption, and weigh on industrial activity, compounded by the earlier slowdown stemming from a domestic corruption scandal involving flood-control projects.
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In April 2026, Fitch Ratings revised its outlook on the Republic to negative from stable while affirming the Republic’s “BBB” rating, citing rising risks to the Philippines’ strong medium-term growth prospects from recent disruptions to public investment, exacerbated in the near term by the country’s elevated exposure to the ongoing global energy shock. Fitch noted that these challenges could narrow the Republic’s GDP growth outperformance relative to peers amid higher post-pandemic government debt and a gradual deterioration in its external finance position, and projects GDP growth of 4.6% in 2026 as public spending recovers only gradually and higher energy costs weigh on household consumption.
In April 2026, S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) revised its outlook on the Republic from positive to stable and affirmed the Republic’s “BBB+” long-term and “A-2” short-term sovereign credit ratings, citing increased risks to the trajectory of the country’s external and fiscal metrics arising from the war in the Middle East. S&P noted that elevated energy prices would widen the Republic’s current account deficit and reduce buffers in its net external asset position, and that it is unlikely external and fiscal support will improve sufficiently over the next two to three years to meaningfully augment support for the sovereign ratings.
Internal Conflict with Rebel Groups and Peace Negotiations
For more than four decades, the Philippines has faced internal armed conflicts involving both ideologically driven insurgents and separatist movements. The Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army–National Democratic Front (“CPP-NPA-NDF”) has waged a protracted armed struggle rooted in Marxist-Leninist ideology, while the Moro National Liberation Front (“MNLF”) and its splinter group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (“MILF”), have historically sought autonomy for Muslim-majority areas in Mindanao. Other extremist factions, such as the Abu Sayyaf Group and Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (“ISIS”)-linked cells, have engaged in terrorism, kidnappings, and bombings, particularly in southern provinces.
The government’s security framework continues to be anchored on Oplan Kapayapaan, launched in 2017, which combines counterterrorism operations with community support. The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, upheld by the Supreme Court in 2021 with limited modifications, remains in force, empowering the Anti-Terrorism Council to designate individuals and organizations as terrorists. Alongside these measures, the government has expanded reintegration programs through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), offering livelihood, housing, and psychosocial support to former rebels.
Recent years have seen significant progress in the peace process. The MILF, now the dominant Muslim separatist group, continues to implement the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. The transition of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is ongoing, with the first regular BARMM elections rescheduled to September 2026, ensuring stability during the transition. The government has emphasized unity among BARMM local government units (“LGUs”), urging collaboration to end internal conflict and consolidate peace gains.
Meanwhile, the MNLF remains engaged in dialogue and reintegration initiatives, while the CPP-NPA-NDF has seen a significant demobilization effort. As of early 2026, more than 13,600 members of the CPP-NPA-NDF and its affiliated organizations have applied for amnesty, marking the largest reintegration effort to date. Other groups, such as the Revolutionary Proletarian Army–Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB/Kapatiran), have also participated, with hundreds of members transitioning into community-based peace partners. In total, over 16,000 former rebels and ex-combatants have formally applied for amnesty, signaling broad trust in the government’s peace agenda.
The reintegration of former combatants is now linked to broader nation-building efforts. Accredited FR-led People’s Organizations (POs) are being connected to government development programs, while ex-combatants are increasingly involved in disaster preparedness and climate resilience initiatives. These measures reflect a whole-of-nation approach, ensuring that peacebuilding is sustained through socio-economic development and inclusive governance.
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On the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)
The peace process between the Government of the Philippines and the MILF has reached a critical juncture in 2026, with major political milestones achieved but normalization efforts still facing delays. The Bangsamoro Organic Law, ratified in 2019, established the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (“BARMM”), replacing the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Territorial adjustments have since been made, including the exclusion of Sulu in 2024 following a Supreme Court ruling, which transferred the province to Region IX in 2025. The Bangsamoro Transition Authority continues to serve as the interim government, currently led by Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua since March 2025. The Bangsamoro Transition Authority has enacted six priority legislations, though the Bangsamoro Revenue Code remains pending. The first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections are scheduled for September 14, 2026, under Republic Act No. 12317, marking the end of the transition period and the culmination of the political track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
On the normalization track, progress has been uneven. Out of an estimated 40,000 MILF combatants, 26,145 have been decommissioned along with 4,625 firearms across Phases 1 to 3, with Phase 4 still pending. Integration into the Philippine National Police (“PNP”) has advanced, with over 7,145 MILF and MNLF members passing the National Police Commission Special Qualifying Eligibility exam, and 392 completing PNP training by 2025. Recruitment has been extended until June 2027 to accommodate more applicants. Efforts to dismantle private armed groups have also been ongoing, with 15 private armed groups and 37 potential private armed groups neutralized by 2023. Meanwhile, the Small Arms and Light Weapons Program had enrolled 9,588 firearms as of April 2026, with livelihood assistance provided to those who surrendered weapons.
Socioeconomic reintegration remains a challenge. The Task Force for Decommissioned Combatants and their Communities continues to provide transitional cash assistance and livelihood support, but the Third-Party Monitoring Team has noted delays compared to the political track. Camps transformation programs under the Camps Transformation Investment Program 2023–2028 are ongoing, focusing on 36 priority barangays across six (6) acknowledged MILF camps, though implementation has been slower than expected.
Recent developments highlight the urgency of accelerating normalization. In April 2026, newly appointed Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (“OPAPRU”) Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento met with MILF leaders to reaffirm the government’s commitment to fast-track normalization and sustain peace dividends. The Third-Party Monitoring Team’s 9th report, released in May 2026, emphasized that while political reforms are advancing, normalization, particularly socioeconomic development and transitional justice, remains behind schedule. The upcoming September 2026 elections are expected to be a decisive milestone, providing democratic legitimacy to the Bangsamoro Parliament and formally ending the transition period of the BARMM.
On the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF)
The Government continues to pursue transformation with the MNLF in parallel with the normalization process with the MILF under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. Anchored on the 1996 Final Peace Agreement (“FPA”), the MNLF process is guided by two complementary tracks: the Political Track and the Transformation Track. The Political Track focuses on completing the remaining commitments under the FPA, particularly the establishment of the Bangsamoro Development Assistance Fund and the Tripartite Implementation Monitoring Committee. These mechanisms are expected to be fully operationalized by 2028, with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation playing a vital role as a third-party facilitator. Meanwhile, the Transformation Track, launched in 2023, aims to support the transition of MNLF combatants into peaceful and productive civilian life, complementing the MILF Normalization Program and contributing to long-term stability in the Bangsamoro.
Since 2023, the Government has engaged both the Misuari and Sema/Jikiri factions of the MNLF through separate committees and convergence platforms. Peace Implementing Committee for Misuari Group and
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Management Committee for Sema Group. These engagements have resulted in consensus to anchor the Transformation Program on Article 20a of the 1996 FPA, which provides for the integration of MNLF members into the Armed Forces of the Philippines (“AFP”), the PNP, and other government agencies, alongside socio-economic, cultural, and educational programs for those not absorbed. Political milestones have also been achieved, including the appointment of ten MNLF members to the BTA in March 2024, equally representing the Misuari and Sema groups. MNLF leaders have likewise assumed significant roles in the Bangsamoro Parliament and ministries, such as Deputy Speakers Omar Yasser Sema, Hatimil Hassan, and Abdulkarim Misuari, and Ministerial posts held by Muslimin Sema and Abu Amri Taddik. These developments underscore the growing political participation of the MNLF in the governance of the BARMM.
The Transformation Program/Track comprises four components: Peace and Security; Socio-Economic Development for Individuals, Families, and Communities; Confidence-Building Measures; and Community Healing and Reconciliation. These components recorded notable accomplishments between FY 2023 and 2025. Under the Peace and Security component, 2,442 combatants were verified, and 2,533 firearms were documented. Meanwhile, the Socio-Economic component provided 2,442 combatants with transitory cash assistance worth PhP. 45,000 each. Additionally, 1,947 individuals benefited from cash-for-work programs, 1,141 secured civil registration papers, and 686 students accessed educational assistance. All verified combatants were enrolled in PhilHealth and received E-Konsulta interventions. At the community level, 139 projects addressing infrastructure, livelihood, and social protection needs were implemented across 63 communities.
The Community Healing and Reconciliation component trained 45 women mediators in mediation and conflict resolution skills across MNLF priority communities. Furthermore, women-focused initiatives—such as the pathway formulation sessions of the Bangsamoro Sagip Kabuhayan Program—represent a transformative shift in the peace process. Moving beyond simple cash transfers, these initiatives focus on creating a sustainable micro- entrepreneurial class among 96 MNLF women, with plans to support 3,000 more through seed capital, capacity building, and mediation training. Finally, Confidence-Building Measures have also advanced: as of March 2026, the Amnesty Program has assisted 646 MNLF applicants, and solidarity activities for Eid’l Fitr and Eid’l Adha benefited 5,000 individuals across 15 MNLF communities between 2023 and 2025.
Structured into three (3) phases—Phase I: Settling-In and Transition, Phase II: Transforming, and Phase III: Stabilizing. The TP ensures a gradual and sustainable reintegration of MNLF combatants into civilian life. These accomplishments highlight the Government’s commitment to completing the 1996 FPA and ensuring that MNLF combatants and communities are fully integrated into peaceful, resilient, and economically developed societies. Together, these efforts reinforce the broader peace process in Mindanao and contribute to the long-term stability of the Bangsamoro region.
On the Abu Sayyaf Group
As of 2026, Abu Sayyaf has been largely weakened through sustained military and law enforcement operations, with most of its remaining members either killed, arrested, or having surrendered. The group is no longer considered an active peace table under OPAPRU, as its activities are treated strictly as a counterterrorism and security matter rather than a negotiation track.
Abu Sayyaf, designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union in 2002, has long been associated with kidnappings, bombings, and violent attacks in Mindanao. For years, the AFP, with support from international partners such as the U.S. conducted joint military exercises and counterterrorism operations to weaken the group.
Throughout the 2010s and early 2020s, Abu Sayyaf continued to carry out violent incidents, including the 2019 Jolo Cathedral bombing that killed 23 people and the 2020 twin suicide bombings in Jolo that left 14 dead and 75 injured. These attacks underscored the group’s affiliation with ISIS and its role as a local extremist proxy.
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By 2021–2023, intensified AFP and PNP operations led to the neutralization of key leaders such as Majan Sahidjuan in Tawi-Tawi and the rescue of foreign hostages. Sustained campaigns also resulted in the arrest and surrender of dozens of members, alongside the seizure of firearms and explosives.
A major legal milestone was reached in October 2024, when the Taguig City Regional Trial Court convicted 17 Abu Sayyaf members for 21 counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention with ransom related to the 2000 Sipadan Island abductions. Each was sentenced to life imprisonment for every count, marking one of the strongest judicial actions against the group. Later that year, in December 2024, the last four Abu Sayyaf members in Basilan, along with four followers, surrendered to the military, signaling the near-total dismantling of the group’s operational presence in the province.
Marawi Siege
As of May 2026, the Marawi Siege remains a defining conflict in Mindanao’s history, with rehabilitation efforts still ongoing. While PhP. 3.85 billion in compensation has been released to over 2,280 claimants and 392 permanent housing units were recently awarded, civil society groups warn that thousands of internally displaced persons continue to face unresolved land disputes, livelihood challenges, and delayed payouts.
The Marawi Siege began on May 23, 2017, when government forces attempted to capture Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, who was then recognized as ISIS’ commander in Southeast Asia. Reinforced by the Maute Group, militants launched a violent takeover of Marawi City, leading to over 1,200 deaths and the displacement of more than 350,000 residents. The siege lasted nearly six (6) months, marked by urban warfare, hostage-taking, and widespread destruction. In response, then President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law across Mindanao, which remained in effect until December 2019. The state of emergency was formally lifted only in July 2023 through Proclamation No. 298, ending six (6) years of heightened military rule in the region.
Rehabilitation efforts were spearheaded by Task Force Bangon Marawi, focusing on transitory shelters, infrastructure rebuilding, and livelihood support. A landmark development was the passage of the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022, which created the Marawi Compensation Board to provide reparations for lost residential and commercial properties. Since beginning operations in July 2023, the Marawi Compensation Board has processed thousands of claims. By early 2026, it had disbursed PhP. 3.85 billion to 2,280 beneficiaries, though civil society groups continue to highlight delays, strict documentation requirements, and insufficient funding as major obstacles for internally displaced persons.
On the housing front, the National Housing Authority turned over 392 permanent housing units in Barangays Kilala and Mipantao-Gadongan during the Marawi Week of Peace in May 2026, under the Pamayandeg Ranaw Residences project. This milestone was celebrated as a step toward sustainable resettlement nearly a decade after the siege.
Infrastructure rehabilitation remains a challenge. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the acceleration of the Reconstruction and Development Plan for a Greater Marawi Stage 2, which covers 26.59 kilometers of roads, bridges, drainage systems, and slope protection works5. As of January 2026, progress stood at only 19.61 percent, with completion now projected for March 2028. Completed projects include the Marawi City General Hospital, Port of Marawi, Dansalan Integrated School, Central Fire Station, and Grand Padian Market, while ongoing works cover bulk water supply and additional road networks.
Despite these gains, tens of thousands of internally displaced persons remain in precarious conditions, facing unresolved land disputes, livelihood challenges, and trauma recovery needs. Civil society organizations (CSOs) emphasize that rehabilitation must go beyond physical reconstruction to address transitional justice and survivor-centered recovery, warning that without these, the promise of rebuilding Marawi risks being incomplete.
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Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF)
The communist insurgency in the Philippines, led by the CPP-NPA-NDF, remains one of the longest-running conflicts in Asia. After decades of intermittent negotiations and localized peace efforts, the Marcos administration has revived national-level peace talks while simultaneously strengthening reintegration programs for former rebels.
In November 2023, exploratory talks between the Government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines resumed in Oslo, Norway, facilitated by the Royal Norwegian Government. Both parties signed a joint statement expressing their commitment to address the roots of armed conflict and pursue transformation of the CPP-NPA-NDF. However, the government rejected preconditions such as ceasefires, prisoner releases, and the dismantling of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (“NTF-ELCAC”), signaling its intent to negotiate while maintaining military pressure. By late 2024, Presidential Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. noted that a comprehensive peace agreement could be finalized after the May 2025 midterm elections, with the administration aiming to complete and implement such an agreement within its term.
Parallel to national talks, localized peacebuilding continues under Executive Order No. 70, which institutionalized the “Whole-of-Nation Approach” through the NTF-ELCAC. The Localized Peace Engagement framework and the Transformation Program/Track have been cascaded to 42 provinces through participatory planning workshops. These workshops identified persistent issues such as arson, extortion, agrarian disputes, landlessness, and limited access to education, health, and livelihood services. To institutionalize reintegration, provincial Peace and Development Centers have been established, including Kagawasan 143 in Agusan del Norte and Dangpanan in Surigao del Norte, serving as hubs for reconciliation, livelihood support, and community development.
Complementing these efforts, President Marcos issued presidential proclamations in November 2023 granting amnesty to qualified former members of the CPP-NPA-NDF and affiliated groups. This legal reintegration pathway, combined with localized development programs, aims to transform rebel communities and promote sustainable peace. The OPAPRU has expanded assistance programs, including scholarships for “Peace Scholars” and livelihood support for rebel returnees.
Overall, the government’s dual-track strategy, reviving national peace talks while reinforcing localized reintegration programs, reflects a pragmatic approach to ending the insurgency. Sustained military operations continue to weaken the NPA’s armed capacity, while inclusive development and reconciliation initiatives seek to address the socioeconomic grievances that fuel rebellion. The success of this approach will depend on whether national negotiations can overcome decades of mistrust and whether localized programs can deliver lasting improvements in governance, livelihood, and community resilience.
International Relations
The Philippines places a high priority on expanding global trade through a multilateral framework of principles and rules that respect individual countries’ policy objectives and levels of economic development. The Republic’s participation in various international organizations, such as the World Trade Organization, the International Monetary Fund (“IMF”), the World Bank (“WB”) and the ADB, allows it to encourage liberalized trade and investment and to discuss global issues that affect the Republic’s economy.
The following table shows the Republic’s capital participation in, and loans obtained from, major international financial organizations.
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Membership in International Financial Organization
| Membership in International Financial Organization |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Name of Organization |
Date of Admission | Subscribed | Capital Share |
Capital Paid In |
Loans Outstanding |
|||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except for percentages or otherwise stated) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| International Monetary Fund |
December 27, 1945 | SDR2,042.9 | 0.43 | % | $ | 1,525.00 | — | |||||||||||||
| International Bank for Reconstruction and Development |
December 27, 1945 | 1,188.7 | (1) | 0.43 | %(1) | $ | 102.1 | (1) | $ | 19,612 | (2) | |||||||||
| Asian Development Bank (“ADB”)(3) |
December 22, 1966 | $ | 3.47 billion | 2.38 | % | $ | 173.4 | $ | 15.1 billion | |||||||||||
| Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (“AIIB”) |
December 28, 2016 | $ | 979.1 | 1.01 | % | $ | 195.8 | $ | 3,001.4 | (4) | ||||||||||
Sources: The IMF; the WB; the ADB; the AIIB; Bureau of the Treasury.
Notes:
| (1) | As of April 16, 2026. |
| (2) | As of June 30, 2025. |
| (3) | As of December 31, 2025. |
| (4) | As of January 20, 2025. |
The Philippines also promotes its economic interests through membership in the following regional organizations:
| | The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (“ASEAN”); |
| | ASEAN Free Trade Area; |
| | Southeast Asia, New Zealand and Australia Central Banks; |
| | Southeast Asian Central Banks; |
| | Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation; and |
| | Executives Meeting of East Asia and Pacific Central Banks. |
Relationship with the IMF
Previously, the IMF maintained relations with the Republic within the context of a regular IMF program monitoring arrangement and a subsequent post-program monitoring arrangement. Under its regular program monitoring arrangement, the IMF was allowed to influence the Republic’s fiscal policies through stabilization and structural adjustment programs. In contrast, the post-program monitoring arrangement involved program assessments based on a regular review of economic developments and policies rather than the attainment of specific quantitative targets and did not include a financing component.
On October 1, 2025, the IMF team concluded the 2025 Article IV Mission (the “2025 Mission”) to the Philippines. The IMF team recognized that the Philippine economy has achieved successful disinflation and that growth has been resilient despite external headwinds, supported by strong public consumption and investment. The 2025 Mission expected growth to slow to 5.1% in 2025 as increasing global tariffs weigh on exports and investment, before picking up moderately to 5.6% in 2026, a downward revision relative to previous forecasts. The IMF team noted that downside risks to the outlook stem from prolonged global trade policy uncertainty and rising trade barriers, geopolitical tensions, disruptive financial market corrections, and more frequent and intense climate shocks on the domestic front.
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The IMF team observed that inflation declined amid a restrictive monetary policy stance and concerted government efforts to reduce food prices, with headline inflation averaging 1.7% in 2025 as of October, and was projected to pick up to 2.8% in 2026 as negative base effects recede. The 2025 Mission noted that the monetary policy stance should remain accommodative amid elevated downside risks to growth and well-anchored inflation expectations, and that the exchange rate should continue to play its role as a shock absorber. The 2025 Mission emphasized that gradual fiscal consolidation over the medium term will help reinforce fiscal space and should be supported by concrete and durable tax revenue mobilization and expenditure reforms to limit the need for restraint in priority spending, with efforts to enhance public financial management and raise spending efficiency remaining critical.
The 2025 Mission further noted that while overall systemic financial risks remain moderate, close monitoring is warranted of vulnerabilities in the real estate sector, interconnectedness between banks and complex conglomerate structures, and fast-growing consumer credit including through non-bank financial institutions and digital finance. The IMF team advised the authorities to enhance the macroprudential policy framework to help preempt the build-up of vulnerabilities and raise buffers. The IMF team also welcomed the Philippines’ successful exit from the Financial Action Task Force grey list while noting that advancing Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (“AML/CFT”) efforts should remain a priority.
The IMF team supported accelerating structural and governance reforms to boost investor confidence, raise fiscal multipliers and potential growth, and recommended reducing infrastructure and energy gaps, promoting foreign direct investment and productivity, strengthening governance and the rule of law, reducing corruption vulnerabilities, and enhancing human capital and workforce skills. The 2025 Mission highlighted the importance of greater trade integration, including through negotiating deep trade agreements and reducing non-tariff barriers, to enhance global value chain integration and resilience in an increasingly challenging external environment.
On November 24, 2025, the Executive Board of the IMF concluded the 2025 Article IV consultation with the Republic, whereby the IMF’s executive directors endorsed the IMF team’s appraisal on the Republic from the 2025 Article IV Mission.
World Bank Financing and Projects
In 2025, the World Bank approved the financing of the following projects in the Philippines: (i) USD454.9 million loan for the Mindanao Transport Connectivity Improvement Project, which aims to improve transport services to the Cagayan de Oro-Davao-General Santos corridor (main corridor) and its catchment area; (ii) USD495.60 million loan for the Philippines Health System Resilience Project, which will provide improved utilization and quality of health services, and enhance health emergency prevention, preparedness and response in the project provinces; (iii) USD700 million loan for the Philippines Community Resilience Project – Pagkilos, which aims to strengthen community capacities for participatory resilience planning and increase access to resilient investments in vulnerable areas; (iv) USD67.34 million loan for the Philippines Civil Service Modernization Project, which aims to modernize the human resource management functions of the government by improving the efficiency and quality of HRM and payroll management in selected National Government Agencies in the Philippine civil service; and (v) USD800 million loan for the Philippines First Energy Transition and Climate Resilience Development Policy Loan which aims to (i) scale up the adoption of clean energy technologies; (ii) increase the security, flexibility and competition of electricity markets; and (iii) improve water management across water uses.
Asian Development Bank Financing and Projects
In 2025, the ADB approved: (i) $500 million loan for the Second Disaster Resilience Improvement Program aimed at supporting the government in strengthening its policies and institutional frameworks on disaster risk reduction and management to help the Philippines adopt an anticipatory approach to disaster response and achieve long-term resilience by addressing underlying sources of risks in its systems; (ii) $500 million loan for
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the Business and Employment Recovery Program—Subprogram 2 aimed at supporting the government in building a business environment that fosters sustainable, high-quality jobs, particularly in the aftermath of COVID-19 and focused on bridging the gap between skills training and employment, (iii) $400 million loan for the Insurance Reform Program, Subprogram 1 aimed at supporting comprehensive reforms to develop a stable and efficient insurance sector, with the expected outcome of enhancing the efficiency of the insurance sector and strengthening disaster resiliency; (iv) $400 million loan for the Business Environment Strengthening with Technology Program, Subprogram 1 aimed at fostering a more enabling environment to allow job-generating businesses and industries to grow; (v) $500 million for the Marine Ecosystems for Blue Economy Development Program, Subprogram 1 aimed at improving the management of fisheries, coastal resources, and aquaculture, enhancing solid waste management and circularity, and increasing planning, budgeting, and investment in nature, ecosystems, and blue carbon; (vi) $400 million loan for the Reducing Food Insecurity and Undernutrition with Electronic Vouchers Project aimed at increasing access of poor and vulnerable people, particularly women and children, to affordable and nutritious food; and (vii) $1,450 million loan for the Malolos Clark Railway Project, Tranche 2 which forms part of the North South Commuter Railway Project.
Territorial Dispute over the West Philippine Sea
In the first eight months of 2011, tensions rose in relation to long-standing territorial disputes involving the Republic, other Southeast Asian nations (including Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei) and China over certain islands in the West Philippine Sea, also known as the South China Sea. The increased tensions were brought about by allegations of more aggressive measures being taken by certain nations to assert their claims in these disputes. In July 2011, representatives of the claimant nations, along with other members of ASEAN, met in Bali, Indonesia to discuss how to advance the negotiations with respect to the competing claims. At this meeting, these nations, including China, agreed on basic guidelines for drafting the Code of Conduct to implement the 2002 ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. The Republic maintains that its claim over the disputed territories is supported by recognized principles of international law consistent with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (the “UNCLOS”).
The Republic reiterated its position in November 2011 during the ASEAN and East Asia summits in Bali, Indonesia, where China, the United States and representatives from a number of Asian countries were in attendance. The Republic also proposed a new peace plan for the disputed waters, which it labeled the “Zone of Peace, Freedom, Friendship and Cooperation.” The plan aims to clearly define the territorial claims of different countries in the region and then to cooperate in respecting those parts of the region where certain countries have undisputed claims, leaving the disputed territories for later resolution. No agreement has been reached to implement this plan.
On January 22, 2013, the Republic submitted a “Notification and State of Claim against China” to an arbitral tribunal in The Hague pursuant to Article 287 and Annex VII of the UNCLOS in order to achieve a peaceful solution to the dispute over the West Philippine Sea. Despite China’s decision not to participate in the proceedings, a five-member arbitral tribunal has been constituted (the “Tribunal”). On August 27, 2013, the Tribunal released its “Rules of Procedure and Procedural Order No. 1,” setting a timetable for the submission of written arguments by each of China and the Republic. The Republic submitted its written arguments on March 30, 2014, in which it addressed matters relating to jurisdiction, admissibility and the merits of the disputes. On March 16, 2015, the Republic submitted a supplemental written submission, responding to questions posed by the Tribunal relating to issues concerning the Tribunal’s jurisdiction over and the merits of the Republic’s claims. Between July 7 and 13, 2015, the Republic participated in oral hearings on the Tribunal’s jurisdiction over and admissibility of the Republic’s claim against China, and on July 23, 2015, the Republic filed a written submission responding to questions posed by the Tribunal at the hearing. On October 29, 2015, the Tribunal unanimously ruled that it has jurisdiction to consider the Republic’s claims and that such claims are admissible to arbitration. In addition, the Tribunal ruled that China’s decision not to participate in these proceedings does not deprive the Tribunal of jurisdiction and that the Republic’s decision to commence arbitration unilaterally was not an abuse of the UNCLOS’ s dispute settlement procedure. The Republic also
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continues to pursue the conclusion of the Code of Conduct to implement the 2002 ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea as a complementary approach to the arbitral proceedings.
On May 10, 2013, the Republic formally lodged a protest with China concerning vessels that arrived on or around May 8, 2013 escorting a fleet of 30 fishing boats in another disputed area — the Second Thomas Shoal. The Second Thomas Shoal is near the Spratly Islands, a chain of resource-rich islands, islets and reefs which are claimed in part or in whole by each of China, Brunei, Malaysia, the Republic, Taiwan and Vietnam.
On March 30, 2014, the Republic submitted a memorial to the Tribunal regarding these actions, and the Tribunal set December 15, 2014 as the deadline for China’s submission of its Counter-Memorial. On December 16, 2014, a spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry announced that China would not participate in the arbitration. On April 4, 2014, the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs also lodged a protest with China regarding these actions. The Republic also raised these issues at the ASEAN summit meeting, held in May 2014 in Myanmar.
In August 2014, the Republic proposed a “triple-action plan” which sought a moratorium on activities that could escalate tensions in the West Philippine Sea while pushing for a speedy conclusion of a code of conduct in the West Philippine Sea and urging that disputes be resolved through arbitration under international law.
On July 12, 2016, the Tribunal issued its decision pursuant to the dispute settlement procedures established under the UNCLOS. The Tribunal determined that as between the Republic and China, the UNCLOS defines the scope of maritime entitlements in the West Philippine Sea and that such entitlements may not extend beyond the limits imposed therein. Accordingly, the Tribunal determined that China’s claims to historic rights, or other sovereign rights or jurisdiction, with respect to the relevant maritime areas of the West Philippine Sea are contrary to UNCLOS and without lawful effect to the extent that they exceed the geographic and substantive limits of China’s maritime entitlements under the UNCLOS. The Tribunal concluded that the UNCLOS superseded any historic rights or other sovereign rights or jurisdiction in excess of the limits imposed under the UNCLOS.
The Tribunal classified the shoals and reefs in the West Philippine Sea according to their natural condition at high tide and low tide. It was determined that although Scarborough Shoal, Johnson Reef, Cuarteron Reef, Fiery Cross Reef, Gaven Reef (north), McKennan Reef and the Spratly Islands all contain features that remain above water during high tide, these high tide features cannot sustain human habitation or economic life and thus are not entitled to an exclusive economic zone or continental shelf under the UNCLOS. Similarly, it was determined that Mischief Reef and Second Thomas Shoal are both low tide elevations that generate no maritime zones of their own. Accordingly, in respect of the foregoing, there is no possible entitlement by China to any maritime zone. Finally, the Tribunal found that both Mischief Reef and Second Thomas Shoal are located within 200 nautical miles of the Republic’s coast on the island of Palawan and are located in an area that is not overlapped by the entitlements generated by maritime features claimed by China; therefore, Mischief Reef and Second Thomas Shoal form part of the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of the Republic.
Regarding interference in the Republic’s exclusive economic zone, the Tribunal found that China has, through the operation of its marine surveillance vessels, breached Article 77 of the UNCLOS with respect to the Republic’s sovereign rights over its continental shelf, and that China has, by promulgating its 2012 moratorium on fishing in the West Philippine Sea, without exception for areas of the West Philippine Sea falling within the exclusive economic zone of the Republic and without limiting the moratorium to Chinese flagged vessels, breached Article 56 of the UNCLOS with respect to the Republic’s sovereign rights over the living resources of its exclusive economic zone. Similarly, the Tribunal found that in failing to prevent fishing by Chinese-flagged vessels at Mischief Reef and Second Thomas Shoal in May 2013 and its failure to prevent Chinese fishing vessels from engaging in harmful harvesting activities of endangered species at Scarborough Shoal, Second Thomas Shoal and other features in the Spratly Islands, China had breached its obligations under Articles 58(3), 192 and 194(5) of UNCLOS, and that China unlawfully prevented Filipino fishermen from engaging in traditional fishing at Scarborough Shoal from May 2012 onwards.
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Regarding the island-building activities by China at Cuarteron Reef, Fiery Cross Reef, Gaven Reef (north), Johnson Reef, Hughes Reef, Subi Reef and Mischief Reef, the Tribunal also found that China had breached Articles 192, 194(1), 194(5), 197, 123 and 206 of the UNCLOS in failing to protect and preserve the marine environment. Moreover, the Tribunal found that in constructing installations and artificial islands at Mischief Reef without the authorization of the Republic, China had breached Articles 60 and 80 of the UNCLOS with respect to the Philippines’ sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.
Finally, regarding clashes between Chinese and Filipino vessels in the West Philippine Sea, the Tribunal found that China has, by virtue of the conduct of Chinese law enforcement vessels in the vicinity of Scarborough Shoal, created serious risk of collision and danger to Philippine vessels and personnel. The Tribunal found that China has violated Rules 2, 6, 7, 8, 15 and 16 of the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and, as a consequence, is in breach of Article 94 of the UNCLOS.
Immediately following the arbitral award, the Republic reiterated its abiding commitment to efforts to pursue the peaceful resolution and management of disputes with a view to promoting and enhancing peace and stability in the region. In a statement published on July 12, 2016, China declared that it considers the award null and void and without binding force. China reiterated its positions that the arbitration initiated by the Republic was in violation of earlier agreements between China and the Republic to resolve the relevant disputes in the West Philippine Sea through negotiations and that the Tribunal has no jurisdiction over the dispute.
From October 18 to 21, 2016, then President Duterte undertook a state visit to China, at which the West Philippine Sea was discussed, among other matters. In a joint statement following the visit, both sides committed to enhance cooperation between their respective coast guards to address maritime emergency incidents, as well as humanitarian and environmental concerns in the West Philippine Sea in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law including the UNCLOS. Both sides affirmed that contentious issues are not the sum total of the Philippines- China bilateral relationship and reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace and stability, freedom of navigation in and over-flight above the West Philippine Sea, addressing their territorial and jurisdictional disputes by peaceful means, without resorting to the threat or use of force, through friendly consultations and negotiations by sovereign states directly concerned. Both sides also committed to the full and effective implementation of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and to work substantively toward the early conclusion of a Code of Conduct in the West Philippine Sea based on consensus.
In August 2017, the 50th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held in Manila and a Joint Communique was issued in relation to the West Philippine Sea. The Joint Communique emphasized the importance of non-militarization and self-restraint in the conduct of all activities by claimants and all other states. It also encouraged an improved cooperation between ASEAN and China, including the adoption of the Code of Conduct framework.
In a meeting held in Vietnam in November 2017, then President Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to handle the West Philippine Sea conflict through bilateral talks and reaffirmed the importance of peace in the West Philippine Sea. A few days later, at the 31st ASEAN Summit and the 20th ASEAN-China Summit, ASEAN members and China announced an agreement to begin discussion on a Code of Conduct in the West Philippine Sea to implement the 2002 ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties based on a negotiating framework signed in August 2017.
Over the years, the Republic continued to assert its rights against Chinese incursions into the West Philippine Sea by, among others, issuing diplomatic protests, protesting “provocative acts” including those directed by China against Philippine authorities patrolling Philippine waters as well as against a Chinese fishing ban that encroached on the Republic’s territory and exclusive economic zone and lodging notes verbales against China in relation to various maritime incidents against Philippine vessels, resulting in injury to crew and/or collisions in certain instances.
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Negotiations between ASEAN and China on a Code of Conduct resumed in May 2022 after being stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On July 13, 2023, the ASEAN and China adopted Guidelines to accelerate negotiations for a Code of Conduct at a meeting in Jakarta.
A confrontation occurred on June 17, 2024, between the Chinese Coast Guard and the Armed Forces of the Philippines near the Ayungin Shoal. The incident at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal resulted in a Filipino sailor sustaining a severed thumb and underscored escalating tensions between the two nations. On July 2, 2024, the Republic and China held their first formal dialogue since the incident, convening the 9th Meeting of their Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea in Manila. Discussions focused on their respective positions on Ayungin Shoal and affirmed their commitment to de-escalating tensions. On August 8, 2024, the Philippine military reported that the Chinese Air Force executed “dangerous and provocative actions” over the West Philippine Sea. Two People’s Liberation Army aircraft dropped flares and performed hazardous maneuvers while a Philippine Air Force patrol was over Scarborough Shoal. On September 27, 2024, two Chinese missile vessels chased Philippine civilian vessels near the First Thomas Shoal (also known as Bulig Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea, the first time that a missile vessel chased a civilian boat during maritime patrols. The Philippine civilian boats, which are under the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, were enroute to Hasa-Hasa Shoal (also known as Half Moon Shoal) to provide food and other aid to Filipino fisherman in the area. On November 8, 2024, the President signed into law Republic Act No. 12064 or the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and Republic Act No. 12065 or the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act. The Philippine Maritime Zones Act sets the rights and entitlements of the Philippines over its maritime zones, or the extent of the Philippines’ maritime and exclusive economic zones where it has the exclusive right to exploit and the responsibility to care for natural resources, among others. The Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, meanwhile, identifies the Philippines’ sea lanes and the air routes through which foreign ships and aircraft pass through, among others.
These developments have not had any immediate effect on the Philippine economy or on economic relations between the Philippines and China. However, should the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea escalate or continue, the Republic’s interests in fishing, trade and offshore drilling may be adversely affected. The Kalayaan Island Group, in the West Philippine Sea, is rich in marine and energy resources and serves as an important source of food, livelihood and foreign exchange earnings. The discovery of oil and natural gas in commercial quantities in the region has also been important in supporting the Republic’s energy needs. One of the petroleum service contracts awarded by the Republic is located in this area. A total of approximately 880 thousand hectares are covered by this service contract. This service contract is aimed at developing an estimated 1.4 to 4.6 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
In addition, should tensions with China escalate due to the dispute in the West Philippine Sea or other reasons, the volume of trade between the Republic and China may be adversely affected. The Republic meets a significant amount of its steel requirements from Chinese imports, thus the supply of steel available to the Republic may be reduced, which, among other things, may affect infrastructure development in the Republic. Bilateral trade between the Republic and China increased steadily from 2010 to 2025, except in 2015 and 2020, when it recorded declines. In 2025, exports to China accounted for 11.0% of the Republic’s total exports in 2025 and 12.9% in 2024. Imports from China accounted for 28.6% of the Republic’s total imports in 2025, an increase from 25.7% in 2024. In the past few years, China has been one of the Republic’s largest trading partners.
The Republic is committed to resolving disputes in the West Philippine Sea through peaceful and rules-based means and diplomatic solutions, without threat or use of force, and in accordance with international law, specifically the UNCLOS. The Republic continues to abide by the ruling of the West Philippine Sea Arbitration, and continually urges China to likewise abide by the same ruling. Several countries, such as Australia, the U.S., Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, and Vietnam, have likewise officially stated their positions echoing the arbitral ruling or reflecting key points thereof, and calling on China to respect and be bound by the arbitral award.
The Republic continues to pursue dialogue and diplomacy with China. On 17 January 2024, the Philippines and China convened the 8th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea in Shanghai pursuant to
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the agreement reached between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and President Xi Jinping in San Francisco in November 2023 to ease and manage tensions in the South China Sea and the telephone call between Philippine Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in December 2023. During the said meeting, the Republic agreed with China that continuous dialogue is important to keep peace and stability at sea. Both sides presented their respective positions on the Ayungin Shoal and assured each other of their mutual commitment to avoid escalation of tensions. They agreed to improve maritime communication mechanisms in the South China Sea, including communications between foreign ministries and coast guards of the two countries. They also agreed to initiate talks on possible academic exchanges on marine scientific research between Filipino and Chinese scientists.
While firm in its defense of its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea, the Republic continues to remain open to addressing difficult issues with China through dialogue and diplomacy.
U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty
The Mutual Defense Treaty between the Republic and the United States (“U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty”) was signed on August 30, 1951. Under the U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty, the United States will come to the assistance of the Republic if the Republic’s metropolitan territory is attacked or if the armed forces of the Republic is attacked in the Pacific Ocean area.
In May 2023, the United States and the Republic established the Bilateral Defense Guidelines which reaffirmed the mutual defense commitments under Articles IV and V of the U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty.
Visiting Forces Agreement
The Visiting Forces Agreement (“VFA”) is a bilateral agreement between the Republic and the United States, which provides the terms under which U.S. military forces are allowed to temporarily operate in the Philippines. On February 11, 2020, the Government sent the United States a notice terminating the VFA. The termination of the VFA was set to take effect on August 9, 2020, 180 days from the date of the notice of termination.
However, on June 1, 2020, the Government suspended its termination of the VFA. On July 30, 2021, then President Duterte announced the withdrawal of the abrogation of the VFA. The Republic continues to value its decades-old partnership with the United States as its lone mutual defense treaty ally and continues to maintain robust relations with United States.
Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement
On April 28, 2014, the Republic and the United States signed the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (the “EDCA”) as a supplemental agreement to the U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty and the VFA. The EDCA has the goal of advancing the implementation of the Philippine—U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty, through the promotion of interoperability, capacity-building towards AFP modernization, strengthening the AFP for external defense, maritime security, maritime domain awareness and humanitarian assistance and disaster response. In 2015, the United States requested access to eight military bases to rotate troops, aircraft and ships. In April 2018, construction began on the first facility in the Basa Air Base in Pampanga in northern Luzon and was completed in January 2019. The site is intended to be used as a humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief facility. On April 3, 2023, the United States announced plans to expand into new military sites in the Republic under the EDCA. The four new sites are Naval Base Camilo Osias in Santa Ana, Cagayan, Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela, Balabac Island in Palawan and Lal-lo Airport in Cagayan.
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Natural Disasters
Climate Change
Climate change has been identified as a threat to the Philippine economy, as it is dependent on climate sensitive sectors such as agriculture, tourism and energy. A change in the climate may have several consequences, including lower agriculture productivity, damage to coastal infrastructure, fragile ecosystems, impact on health and biodiversity, financial market disruption, lower GDP and altered migration matters. Increased frequency or severity of natural disasters may lead to casualties, the destruction of crops and livestock, the outbreak of waterborne disease and the destruction of infrastructure, such as roads and bridges. Droughts may negatively affect the supply of agricultural commodities, the food supply in general and the generation of hydroelectric power.
Typhoons and Flooding
Frequent regional typhoons and intense rainfall, in part due to climate change, make regions of the Republic susceptible to flash floods and landslides. In urban areas such as Metro Manila, clogging and siltation of drainage laterals and waterways caused by improper disposal of solid waste, obstructions and the presence of informal settlements along open waterways contribute to flooding. Low lying urban and rural areas, which serve as catch basins of rainwater within a watershed or river basin, also suffer from problems posed by unplanned and unregulated developments such as temporary housing and infrastructure projects and the presence of industrial operations along upstream waterways. Flooding, including as a result of Typhoon “Yolanda” in 2013, has affected hundreds of thousands of Filipinos and resulted in numerous fatalities. In addition, flooding in the Philippines has resulted in and may continue to result in significant damage to rice and other agricultural production, infrastructure and private property. Flooding and other natural disasters continue to pose a threat to other sectors such as transportation and health, and the economy as a whole. In addition to direct damage, natural disasters also inhibit social and economic development because funds must be reallocated from existing programs to finance relief and reconstruction assistance.
The transportation sector is heavily affected by floods and other natural disasters that damage roads and bridges. If a natural disaster destroys critical transportation infrastructure, roads and bridges must be repaired before other disaster-related damage can be addressed. As a result, damage to transportation infrastructure can compound the effect that floods have on other sectors. For instance, the impact of flooding and other natural disasters on the health sector is mostly seen in the disruption of the delivery of health services. Damaged roads and bridges hinder the efficient transport of patients to hospitals and medical facilities in cities and reduce the capacity of the Government to deliver timely medical services to affected populations in rural areas.
Flooding also adversely affects agricultural production by damaging crops, livestock, poultry and fisheries, as well as destroying fishing boats, farming equipment, inventory and agricultural infrastructure such as irrigation channels, spillways and farm-to-market roads. In urban areas, the manufacturing, construction, wholesale and retail, restaurant and real estate industries are also impacted by the damage caused by flooding.
In November 2013, Typhoon “Yolanda” (also known as Typhoon “Haiyan”), the Philippines’ worst typhoon on record, made landfall in Eastern Samar, sustaining winds of 270 to 312 km/h while passing over the Philippines. The impact of Typhoon “Yolanda” was centered on Regions VI, VII, and VIII. A State of National Calamity was declared in Samar, Leyte, Cebu, Iloilo, Capiz, Aldan, and Palawan, and 6,300 people were reported dead from the storm, 1,061 persons were reported missing and 28,689 persons had been injured. Estimated damages had reached ₱89.6 billion, comprising an estimated ₱55.1 billion to the social sector, ₱21.8 billion to the productive sector, ₱9.6 billion to infrastructure and ₱3.1 billion in cross-sectoral damages in the regions affected by the storm.
In December 2021, Typhoon “Odette” (also known as Typhoon “Rai”), a category 5 super typhoon, hit the Philippines. Typhoon “Odette” caused an estimated ₱24.6 billion in damage to crops, public infrastructure, and
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private property, and destroyed more than 1.7 million houses in eight provinces. Rehabilitation efforts are ongoing throughout the affected areas through programs led by the national and local governments.
In late September 2022, category 3 Typhoon “Noru” (also known as Super Typhoon “Karding”) made its way across the island of Luzon in the Philippines after having made landfall northeast of Manila. The state weather agency reported sustained winds of 175 km/h and gusts of up to 290 km/h on the island. Nearly 8,400 people were pre-emptively evacuated from the path of Typhoon “Noru”, which left communities and farmland submerged due to heavy flooding across several northern provinces. Typhoon “Noru” caused an estimated ₱1.29 billion in damage to crops, impacting more than 141,000 hectares of agricultural land and 82,000 farmers and fisherfolk. It is estimated that 12.7 million people live in the areas affected by Typhoon “Noru”, with approximately 6.8 million people, of which approximately 689,000 are vulnerable, living in the worst affected areas. The cost to rebuild in the worst affected areas is estimated at approximately ₱31.9 billion.
In October 2024 and November 2024, the Philippines was hit by six different typhoons with varying degrees of severity. On October 24, 2024, Typhoon “Kristine” (also known as Typhoon “Trami”) made landfall in northern Philippines, with sustained winds of 95 km/h and gustiness of up to 160 km/h. It brought widespread, torrential rains to other parts of the Philippines even before it hit land, inundating entire towns with severe flooding and triggering deadly landslides. On October 31, 2024, Typhoon “Leon” (also known as Typhoon “Kong-rey”) made landfall over southeastern Taiwan but affected northern Philippines with sustained winds of 155 km/h and gustiness of up to 255 km/h. On November 7, 2024, Typhoon “Marce” (also known as Typhoon “Yinxing”) made landfall in northern Philippines, with sustained winds of 175 km/h and gustiness of up to 240 km/h and brought torrential rain, storm surges and landslides. On November 11, 2024, Typhoon “Nika” (also known as Typhoon “Toraji”), made landfall in northern Philippines, with sustained winds of 130 km/h and gustiness of up to 180 km/h. On November 14, 2024, Typhoon “Ofel” (also known as Typhoon “Usagi”), made landfall in northern Philippines, with sustained winds of 175 km/h and gustiness of up to 240 km/h. On November 17, 2024, Typhoon Pepito (also known as Typhoon “Man-yi”) made two landfalls in northern Philippines, with sustained winds of 185km/h and gustiness of up to 305 km/h. According to preliminary data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, as of December 4, 2024, Typhoons Nika, Ofel and Pepito affected 1,170,975 families and resulted in damage to agriculture and infrastructure estimated at ₱699 million and ₱3.0 billion, respectively.
Typhoons, Flood Control Projects and Corruption Allegations
In 2025, the Philippines was hit by numerous typhoons of varying degrees of severity, which brought widespread torrential rains, severe flooding and landslides. In the context of these disasters and those in the prior year, there have been protests and media focus centered on irregularities in government-funded flood control infrastructure projects. Public discussion has focused on claims of overpricing, sub-standard works, delayed implementation, incorrectly placed infrastructure, ghost projects, and misallocation of government funding relating to such projects. President Marcos has stated his resolve to hold erring officials to account, and the Senate of the Philippines, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure and the Department of Public Works and Highways, together with other responsible agencies, are conducting investigations on flood control infrastructure project issues. These investigations remain ongoing. Certain Department of Public Works and Highways officials have been charged, dismissed, relieved or reassigned, and certain contractors and public officials have been implicated, with some facing project suspension or termination, blacklisting or administrative, civil and criminal liability if evidence warrants. The Philippines has pledged to protect the public interest, but has stressed the need to continue with flood control infrastructure projects, which remain a national priority.
Earthquakes and Volcanic Eruptions
The Philippines is located in the “Pacific Ring of Fire” and along a complex system of fault lines, which geologists refer to as the “Philippine Mobile Belt.” As a consequence, the Republic is susceptible to volcanic eruptions and periodic seismic activity, such as the magnitude 7.8 earthquake on Luzon Island in 1990, one of the
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strongest earthquakes to hit the country, and the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991, one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the 20th century. In January 2020, Taal Volcano entered into a period of intense unrest beginning with phreatic or steam-driven activity in several points inside Taal Volcano’s main crater that progressed into magmatic eruption. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (“PHILVOCS”) raised the alert level to alert level 4 on January 12, 2020, which meant that hazardous explosive eruption is possible with hours to days. Pursuant to such events, PHILVOCS ordered the total evacuation of the Volcano Island and high-risk areas within a 14-kilometer radius from Taal Volcano’s main crater. PHILVOCS has since lowered the alert level covering Taal Volcano to Level 1. These natural disasters have resulted in loss of life, the displacement of people and destruction of property.
In 2024, the Kanlaon volcano in Negros island erupted twice in June and December, displacing close to 50,000 individuals or over 11,000 families in 32 barangays in Western Visayas and Central Visayas.
On May 2, 2026, Mayon volcano spewed heavy ash flow, affecting 55,590 families across 124 barangays in Albay. As of June 2026, Mayon volcano was at Alert Level 3, Kanlaon volcano at Alert Level 2, and Taal volcano at Alert Level 1.
Philippine Economy
COVID-19
COVID-19, an infectious disease that was first reported to have been transmitted to humans in late 2019, has spread globally over the course of 2020, and in March 2020 it was declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. On January 30, 2020, the Philippines reported its first confirmed case of COVID-19. The subsequent spread of the disease has since resulted in 3,901,033 confirmed cases and the death of 62,249 people in the Philippines as of September 9, 2022, according to the Philippine Department of Health. The Government, on a national and local level, has implemented a number of measures in varying degrees to contain the spread of COVID-19, including, among others, social distancing measures, implementation of self-isolation and community quarantine measures, closure of schools, suspension of mass public transport facilities, restrictions on public gatherings, suspension of operations of non-essential businesses and travel restrictions.
On March 27, 2021, following a sharp spike in COVID-19 infections, the Government announced that the National Capital Region and the surrounding provinces of Bulacan, Laguna, and Rizal (“NCR Plus”), as well as other parts of the Philippines, would be placed under enhanced community quarantine (“ECQ”) from March 29 to April 11, and under modified ECQ until May 14, 2021. Following this, the restrictions were eased, and the areas comprising NCR Plus were placed under a general community quarantine. This status continued until June, which saw an increase in COVID-19 cases in other provinces outside the greater Manila region notwithstanding the Government’s vaccination efforts, and which led to the provinces of Cagayan, Apayao, Ifugao, Bataan, Iloilo, Negros Oriental, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Sur and the cities of Santiago, Lucena, Puerto Princesa, Naga, Iloilo, Davao, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, and Zamboanga City being placed under modified enhanced community quarantine until the end of June 2021.
In 2023, the Republic was able to sustain sufficient capacity within its health care system with low hospitalization rates among COVID-19 cases. COVID-19 infection rates have been decreasing since July 2023 with the Republic experiencing an average daily case rate of below 400, with the average daily case rate of August 2023 dipping to 118. Given this improvement, the Government lifted the state of public health emergency through Proclamation No. 297. Nonetheless, the Government continued its efforts to increase vaccination uptake including the promotion of bivalent vaccines.
Legislative Efforts to Combat COVID-19
Former President Duterte’s emergency powers under Republic Act No. 11494, otherwise known as the “Bayanihan to Recover as One Act”, lapsed on December 19, 2020.
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On December 29, 2020, then President Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11519 and Republic Act No. 11520 into law. Republic Act No. 11519 extended the availability of funds appropriated through the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act until June 30, 2021. Republic Act No. 11520 extended the availability of the 2020 budget until December 31, 2021, which enabled government agencies to spend or release unused funds under the 2020 budget during the course of 2021, rather than expiring at the end of 2020, which would have otherwise been the case.
Republic Act No. 11523, the Financial Institutions Strategic Transfer (FIST) Act (the “FIST Act”) was signed into law on February 16, 2021, and became effective on February 17, 2021. The FIST Act is intended to assist banks and other financial institutions by enabling them to sell their non-performing assets and bad loans to asset management companies, referred to as FIST corporations. It aims to strengthen the banking industry’s risk- bearing capacity, and free up capital for productive uses in the economy rather than the management of non-performing loans.
The Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprise (“CREATE”) Act was passed into law on March 26, 2021. The CREATE Act allows businesses to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and aims to improve the Republic’s capacity to attract investments by lowering the corporate income tax rate and rationalizing the Republic’s tax incentives system by making it targeted, time-bound, and performance-based. Certain temporary measures under CREATE were lifted through the issuance of Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 69-2023 which became effective on July 1, 2023.
COVID-19 Vaccination and Related Efforts
In January 2021, the Department of Health unveiled its Philippine National Deployment and Vaccination Plan for COVID-19 Vaccines. As part of this plan, the Government secured initial doses of vaccines from various manufacturers and participated in the World Health Organization’s COVAX facility in order to increase the Republic’s access to vaccine supplies.
In February 2021, the IATF adopted a vaccination priority framework conceived by the Interim National Immunization Technical Advisory Group to promote the effective deployment of the Republic’s vaccination efforts in light of the limited supply of vaccines. On February 26, 2021 then President Duterte signed into law the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021, which authorized local government units to undertake negotiated procurement of COVID-19 vaccines, and also authorized private entities, including the Philippine Red Cross, to procure vaccines in coordination with the Government.
On March 1, 2021, the Government began its vaccination drive, with vaccines being administered to frontline health care professionals followed by eligible senior citizens, persons with comorbidities, frontline personnel in essential sectors, and indigent persons, before the vaccines were opened to the rest of the population in October 2021. As of June 25, 2021, the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) had granted emergency use authorization to eight COVID-19 vaccines. The Government has ramped up its COVID-19 vaccination efforts to include children aged 12 to 17 with effect from November 3, 2021, and the FDA on December 23, 2021 approved emergency use of some vaccines for children aged five to 11.
The Philippine FDA amended its emergency use authorization for certain COVID-19 vaccines to make way for a booster program. On November 16, 2021, the National Task Force Against COVID-19 issued interim operational guidelines on the administration of COVID-19 booster doses to essential workers and frontline health service providers. On November 19, 2021, the task force issued additional interim guidelines, expanding the coverage of the booster program to senior citizens aged 60 and above, and to adults with comorbidities. On December 23, 2021, the FDA announced that it had approved a shorter administration interval between the primary doses and booster shots, making around 19 million fully-vaccinated adults eligible to receive booster doses.
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On July 26, 2022, the Marcos administration, together with various local government units, launched the “PinasLakas” campaign, a vaccination drive that aims to vaccinate 90% of the country’s senior citizens and to administer booster doses to 50% of the target population during the first 100 days of the Marcos administration.
In addition to the vaccine program, the Philippine FDA also granted emergency use authorization to an anti-COVID pill for use in treating adults with mild to moderate symptoms, as well as those at risk of developing severe illnesses such as senior citizens and individuals with comorbidities.
Economic Impacts
The uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including possible delays in the delivery of vaccines and the emergence of new variants of concern, continue to pose downside risks to the Republic’s economic recovery. Nonetheless, the Government consistently monitors developments to assess the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and implement appropriate policies to mitigate the associated risks. To ensure the continued safety of the economy’s gradual reopening, the Government intends to continue to accelerate vaccination, and implement a risk-based approach to restrictions through the rollout of the alert level system in the Republic.
Maharlika Investment Fund
In July 2023, President Marcos signed into law Republic Act No. 11954 which established the Maharlika Investment Fund, the Republic’s first sovereign wealth fund, to support the Government’s economic goals laid out in the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (“MTFF”), the 8-point Socioeconomic Agenda and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. In November 2023, the Maharlika Investment Corporation was established to govern and manage the Maharlika Investment Fund.
Medium-Term Fiscal Framework
In 2023, the Marcos administration launched the Republic’s MTFF. The Republic’s MTFF aims to reduce fiscal deficit, promote fiscal sustainability, and enable robust economic growth. The priority measures under the MTFF are aimed at (1) promoting efficient tax administration through digitalization, (2) implementing measures to help tax system catch up in the digital economy, (3) introducing tax measures to promote environmental sustainability to address climate change and (4) pursuing remaining tax reform packages.
The New Government Procurement Act
On July 20, 2024, President Marcos signed into law Republic Act No. 12009, or the New Government Procurement Act. This law is aimed to enhance the existing procurement systems through (i) fit- for-purpose modalities to achieve value for money, (ii) strengthening procurement planning of procuring entities with mandatory market scoping and strategies to be used, (iii) modernizing procurement processes with the use of emerging technologies and innovative solutions, (iv) institutionalizing sustainable public procurement principles and practices with environmental, social and economic considerations, life cycle, gender parity, poverty alleviation, and fair opportunities to vulnerable and marginalized sectors, (v) enhancing transparency and ensuring greater accountability with open government, participatory procurement and use of beneficial ownership information in procurement, and (vi) professionalizing procurement practitioners to foster a skilled and competent workforce dedicated to excellence in government procurement.
Value-Added Tax on Digital Transactions
On October 2, 2024, President Marcos signed into law Republic Act No. 12023, which imposes a 12% Value-Added Tax (“VAT”) on digital services performed or rendered in the Philippines, which includes online search engine, online marketplace, cloud services, online media and advertising, online platform and digital goods.
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The CREATE MORE Act
On November 11, 2024, President Marcos signed into law Republic Act No. 12066, or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy Act (“CREATE MORE Act”). The CREATE MORE Act aims to provide ease of doing business by simplifying local taxation, clarifying the process for VAT and duty incentives, and expanding support to non-registered exporters and high- value domestic market enterprises. It is also believed to improve the tax regime by, among others, lowering the corporate income tax from 25% to 20%, doubling the power expenses deductions from 50% to 100%, adding a 50% deduction for tourism and trade fairs, and extending the maximum period of incentives to up to 27 years. Furthermore, the threshold for entities required to obtain approval from the Fiscal Incentives Review Board is increased from ₱1 billion to ₱15 billion in investment capital, which is hoped to create a more efficient approval process.
Overview
Like many developing countries after World War II, the Philippines protected local industry from foreign competition through measures such as import tariffs and quotas, and hoped to replace imported finished goods with domestically produced goods over time. Successive administrations also intervened in domestic economic affairs by imposing quantitative trade barriers, price controls and subsidies. Initially, the economy grew rapidly, with GNI growing at an average rate of 5.7% per annum from 1970 to 1980, largely due to increased exports and Government investments. Infrastructure spending increased, and state ownership and nationalization of commercial enterprises became more prevalent. By the early 1980s, however, the Republic began to face increasing budget deficits, growing levels of foreign and domestic borrowing, rising inflation, climbing interest rates, a depreciating peso, declining investment capital and slowing economic growth or, at times, a contraction in GNI. The Republic’s unstable political situation during that period, highlighted by the assassination of opposition leader Benign Aquino in 1983, exacerbated its economic problems.
The general optimism brought about by the peaceful removal of the unpopular Marcos administration in 1986 helped economic recovery. GNI grew by 3.4% in 1986, increasing to a growth of 6.8% in 1988 before reversing to a decline of 0.6% in 1991. The economic contraction in the early 1990s was caused principally by underlying macroeconomic imbalances, compounded by supply bottlenecks, natural disasters, political instability, a global recession and the Persian Gulf crisis of 1990 to 1991.
The government of then President Corazon Aquino, who came to power in 1986, embarked on a stabilization program aimed at preventing an upsurge in inflation, controlling the fiscal deficit and improving the external current account position. The economy responded favorably to these measures, posting increases in GNI, investments, private consumption and imports in 1992. The Corazon Aquino administration also recognized that the Republic’s economic difficulties in large part resulted from its protectionist policies. The Corazon Aquino administration therefore initiated reforms to open the economy to market forces and reduce the size and role of the government in the Philippine economy. The government of then President Fidel Ramos, who assumed office in 1992, accelerated the reform efforts initiated by the Corazon Aquino administration. Following a review of a number of the policies and programs initiated by previous administrations, the Estrada administration continued many of the financial policies and market-oriented reforms of the Corazon Aquino and Ramos administrations.
After the onset of the Asian economic crisis in mid-1997, the Philippines experienced economic turmoil characterized by currency depreciation, a decline in the performance of the banking sector, interest rate volatility, a significant decline in share prices on the local stock market and a reduction of foreign currency reserves. These factors led to a slowdown in the Philippine economy in 1997 and 1998. In response, the Government adopted a number of policies to address the effects of the Asian economic crisis by strengthening the country’s economic fundamentals.
The Philippines was not as severely affected by the Asian financial crisis as many of its neighbors, aided in part by remittances from Overseas Filipino Workers (“OFWs”). With the exception of 1998, when agricultural
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harvests were negatively impacted by poor weather and drought, the Republic had recorded positive real GDP growth every year since the Asian financial crisis. After a 0.6% decline in 1998, GDP growth increased to 3.1% in 1999 and 4.4% in 2000 before slowing down to 2.9% in 2001. In the early 2000s, the Government pursued economic strategies to improve infrastructure, implement changes to the tax system, support deregulation and privatization of the economy, and further develop trade ties within Asia. GDP growth increased to 3.7% in 2002 and 5.0% in 2003 notwithstanding the impact of the Iraq War, the SARS epidemic and credit ratings downgrades. GDP growth accelerated to 6.7% in 2004 before leveling off to 4.8% in 2005 and 5.2% in 2006.
Against the backdrop of the global financial crisis which began in the second half of 2007, the Republic experienced limited exposure to subprime assets and bankrupt financial institutions. Nonetheless, in 2008, the Republic experienced slower growth rates, a weakening of equity prices, a lower exchange rate for the peso against major currencies and increasing inflation. In 2009, the Republic’s economy began to exhibit indications of a recovery, although certain of the Republic’s economic recovery policies had yet to result in positive effects. In 2010, the Republic continued its recovery despite an erratic economic recovery globally.
Between 2012 and 2015, the Republic was largely spared from the economic fallout of the European sovereign debt crisis due primarily to minimal trade and financial linkages with the affected nations, but the Republic nevertheless sought through its financial regulatory framework and monetary policy to mitigate the impact on the Republic of the European sovereign debt crisis and the resulting economic slowdown in Europe.
In January 2020, the IMF world economic outlook update projected that the Republic would see economic growth at 6.3% in 2020, underpinned by an increase in government spending and monetary policy easing. In April 2020, however, against the backdrop of the COVID-19 outbreak, the IMF world economic outlook update revised downwards its economic growth forecasts for the Republic to 0.6%.
The Government initially expected the Republic’s GDP to contract by 2% to 3.4% due to the economic effects of the COVID-19 outbreak and the resulting domestic shutdowns, border controls, reduced tourism, disrupted trade and manufacturing and financial market spillovers.
On May 7, 2020, the NEDA reported that the Philippine economy had slowed down for the first time in 22 years, contracting 0.2% in the first quarter of 2020, from a 5.6% growth rate in the first quarter of 2019. In June 2020, the IMF world economic outlook update further revised its economic growth forecasts downwards, projecting the Republic’s GDP to contract by 3.6% in 2020. The Bangko Sentral had also projected that Philippine GDP for the second quarter of 2020 would decline by 5.7% to 6.7%. However, on August 7, 2020, the Philippine Statistics Authority announced that the Republic’s second quarter GDP contracted by 16.5%, primarily as a result of the lockdowns in April and May 2020.
In 2021, quarantine restrictions and other responses by the Government affected employment and productivity of the economy. The Government’s economic managers reported that the unemployment rate moderately increased from 7.1% in March 2021 to an estimated 7.4% in October 2021, an effect attributed to the re-imposition of enhanced community quarantine restrictions, the continued imposition of strict quarantine measures, and weather disturbances that affected agriculture, most notably Typhoon Jolina which affected some 30,000 hectares of agricultural land across the regions of Central Luzon, Calabarzon, MIMAROPA, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and Eastern Visayas. The NEDA noted that as restrictions eased in favor of more granular lockdowns, labor outcomes are expected to improve.
The NEDA also cautioned that it estimated that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic would cost the Philippine economy ₱41.4 trillion over the next 40 years.
In 2024, GDP grew by 5.7%, with the wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, financial and insurance activities and construction sectors as the main contributors to such growth. However, continuing geopolitical tensions, such as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, resulted in trade disruptions in
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key industries, which may have contributed to accelerated inflation. The Republic believes that domestic liquidity remains adequate to meet the demand for financing to support economic growth in the Philippines; however, there can be no assurance that a contraction in liquidity in the international financial markets will not adversely impact the financial condition of the Republic or of Philippine companies generally.
Recent Economic Indicators
The following table sets out the performance of certain of the Republic’s principal economic indicators for the specified periods.
Years 2021 – 2026
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025(1) | 2026(2) |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
| GDP growth (constant 2018 prices) (%) |
5.7 | 7.6 | 5.5 | 5.7 | 4.4 | 2.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| GNI growth (constant 2018 prices) (%) |
1.7 | 9.9 | 10.4 | 7.7 | 6.1 | 3.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Inflation rate (2018 CPI basket)(%) |
3.9 | 5.8 | 6.0 | 3.2 | 1.7 | 4.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unemployment rate |
7.8 | 5.4 | 4.4 | 3.8 | 4.2 | 5.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 91-day T-bill rate (%) |
1.1 | 1.9 | 5.4 | 5.7 | 5.2 | 5.0 | (3 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| External position |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance of payments ($ million) |
1,345 | (7,263 | ) | 3,672 | 609 | (5,661 | ) | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Export growth(5) (%) |
12.5 | 6.4 | (4.3 | ) | (0.4 | ) | 15.2 | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Import growth(5) (%) |
30.5 | 19.0 | (4.8 | ) | 2.2 | 5.0 | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||
| External debt ($ billion) |
106.4 | 111.3 | 125.4 | 137.6 | 147.7 | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| International reserves |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross ($ billion) |
108.8 | 96.1 | 103.8 | 106.3 | 110.8 | 104.0 | (4 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net ($ billion) |
108.8 | 96.1 | 103.7 | 106.2 | 110.8 | 104.0 | (4 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Months of retained imports(6) |
9.7 | 7.2 | 7.6 | 7.3 | 7.3 | 6.9 | (4 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic credit growth (%) |
8.2 | 12.7 | 9.3 | 10.4 | 10.5 | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Sources: Philippine Statistics Authority; Bangko Sentral.
Notes:
| (1) | Preliminary data as of and for the year ended December 31, 2025, unless otherwise stated. |
| (2) | Preliminary data as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2026, unless otherwise stated. |
| (3) | For May 2026. |
| (4) | Preliminary data as of May 31, 2026. |
| (5) | Goods export growth and goods import growth. |
| (6) | Number of months of average imports of goods and payment of services and primary income that can be financed by reserves. |
GDP and Major Financial Indicators
Periodic Revisions to Philippine National Accounts
Economists show gross domestic product (“GDP”) and gross national income (“GNI”) in both current and constant market prices. Presentations of GDP and GNI at current market prices value a country’s output using the actual prices for each year, whereas GDP and GNI at constant market prices (also referred to as “real” GDP and GNI) value output using the prices from a specified base year, thereby eliminating the distorting effects of inflation and deflation.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (“PSA”) releases quarterly data on the Republic’s national accounts, which include GDP and GNI data. Under PSA policy, GDP and GNI data for a particular quarter are revised the
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following quarter, while annual data are released together with first quarter data and are revised thereafter in May of each year. GDP and GNI estimates are considered “final” after three years. However, the PSA may still revise the “final” estimates whenever it undertakes an overall revision of the national accounts.
Revisions in the Republic’s national accounts are normally due to the availability of new or more complete data, receipt of revised data from original sources, and inclusion or exclusion of emerging or closed industries. The PSA has traditionally followed the 1968 revision of the United Nations System of National Accounts.
In the first quarter of 2011, the standards under the Philippine System of National Accounts (the “PSNA”) for the calculation of GDP and GNI (known as gross national product prior to the 2011 revisions) were revised, changing the constant base year for these calculations from 1985 to 2000. In April 2020, the PSNA further revised the PSNA standards, changing the constant base year for GDP calculations from 2000 to 2018.
Gross Domestic Product
Gross domestic product, or GDP, measures the market value of all final goods and services produced within a country during a given period. By comparison, gross national income, or GNI, measures the market value of all final goods and services produced by a country’s residents during a given period, whether or not the production occurred within the country.
In 2021, GDP grew by 5.7%, compared with a contraction of 9.5% in 2020. The largest contributor to growth in 2021 was the improved management of the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by industry sector growth of 8.5% in 2021 compared with a contraction of 13.1% in 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The services sector also grew by 5.4% in 2021 compared to a contraction of 9.1% in 2020. GNI in 2021 grew by 1.7% compared to a contraction of 11.5% in 2020. Net primary income contracted by 51.6% in 2021 compared to a contraction of 31.1% in 2020.
In 2022, GDP grew by 7.6%, compared with growth of 5.7% in 2021. The largest contributor was the gradual reopening of the economy which saw the services sector record 9.2% growth in 2022 compared to 5.4% in 2021. GNI grew by 9.9% in 2022 compared to a growth of 1.7% in 2021. Net primary income grew by 77.3% in 2022 compared to a contraction of 51.6% in 2021.
In 2023, GDP grew by 5.5%, compared with growth of 7.6% in 2022. The largest contributors in 2023 were the wholesale and retail trade sector, which recorded growth of 5.5% in 2023, and the financial and insurance activities sector, which recorded growth of 8.8% in 2023. This was partially offset by a decrease in the rate of growth in the industry sector, from growth of 6.5% in 2022 to growth of 3.6% in 2023. GNI in 2023 grew by 10.4%, compared to growth of 9.9% in 2022. The growth in net primary income of 96.6% in 2023 represented an increase from the 77.3% growth in 2022.
In 2024, GDP grew by 5.7%, compared with growth of 5.5% in 2023. The largest contributors in 2024 were the wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles sector, which recorded growth of 5.6% in 2024, the financial and insurance activities sector, which recorded growth of 9.0% in 2024, and the construction sector, which recorded growth of 10.3% in 2024. This was partially offset by a decline in the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector, from a growth of 1.2% in 2023 to a decline of 1.6% in 2024. GNI in 2024 grew by 7.7%, compared to a growth of 10.4% in 2023. The growth in net primary income of 26.1% in 2024 represented a decline compared to the 96.6% growth in 2023.
In 2025, GDP grew by 4.4%, compared with growth of 5.7% in 2024. The largest contributors in 2025 were the wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles sector, which recorded growth of 5.3% in 2025, the financial and insurance activities sector, which recorded growth of 5.9% in 2025, and the manufacturing sector, which recorded growth of 2.5% in 2025. GNI in 2025 grew by 6.1%, compared to a growth of 7.7% in 2024. The growth in net primary income of 19.7% in 2025 represented a decline compared to the 26.1% growth in 2024.
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In the first quarter of 2026, GDP growth moderated to 2.8%, compared with 5.4% in the same quarter last year. Growth was mainly weighed down by the slower growth in manufacturing sector, which recorded growth of 0.5% in the first quarter of 2026; wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles, and motorcycles, which recorded growth of 4.6%; and the financial and insurance activities sector, which recorded growth of 3.4%, as well as the sustained decline in construction at 2.8% in the first quarter of 2026. GNI grew by 3.0% in the first quarter of 2026, compared with 7.2% in the first quarter of 2025. Net primary income grew by 4.5% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to growth of 22.2% during the same period in 2025.
The following table shows GDP by sector, net primary income and GNI at current market prices for the specified periods.
| Gross Domestic Product by Major Sector (at current market prices) |
Percentage of GDP |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026(1) | 2021 | 2026(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (₱ in millions, except as indicated) | (%) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Agriculture, forestry and fishing sector |
1,954,487 | 2,104,090 | 2,285,564 | 2,403,539 | 2,406,532 | 618,405 | 10.1 | 8.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Industry sector |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mining and quarrying |
185,371 | 280,249 | 232,171 | 234,167 | 265,083 | 89,355 | 1.0 | 1.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Manufacturing |
3,424,049 | 3,795,335 | 3,946,171 | 4,145,218 | 4,294,019 | 1,175,331 | 17.6 | 17.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Electricity, steam, water, and waste management |
650,961 | 746,104 | 844,196 | 897,394 | 931,646 | 255,528 | 3.4 | 3.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction |
1,347,309 | 1,615,247 | 1,833,309 | 2,045,728 | 2,069,068 | 395,510 | 6.9 | 5.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
| Total |
5,607,689 | 6,436,935 | 6,855,847 | 7,322,507 | 7,559,816 | 1,915,724 | 28.9 | 27.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service sector |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles |
3,502,794 | 3,987,550 | 4,445,383 | 4,875,124 | 5,197,837 | 1,155,588 | 18.0 | 16.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transport and storage |
605,204 | 807,323 | 977,712 | 1,074,832 | 1,156,230 | 291,576 | 3.1 | 4.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accommodation and food service activities |
285,187 | 396,144 | 510,209 | 587,383 | 636,066 | 192,713 | 1.5 | 2.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Information and communication |
640,034 | 696,022 | 732,461 | 770,319 | 805,368 | 192,750 | 3.3 | 2.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial and insurance activities |
1,963,148 | 2,224,675 | 2,565,066 | 2,887,463 | 3,106,421 | 857,298 | 10.1 | 12.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Real estate and ownership of dwellings |
1,139,221 | 1,246,861 | 1,369,416 | 1,488,186 | 1,584,965 | 401,606 | 5.9 | 5.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Professional and business services |
1,222,489 | 1,350,881 | 1,488,722 | 1,643,967 | 1,769,273 | 410,981 | 6.3 | 5.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Public administration and defense; compulsory social activities |
1,027,079 | 1,119,710 | 1,189,235 | 1,285,812 | 1,419,814 | 280,298 | 5.3 | 4.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Education |
796,472 | 880,390 | 969,550 | 1,055,564 | 1,182,922 | 305,764 | 4.1 | 4.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Human health and social work activities |
385,750 | 411,577 | 459,896 | 527,792 | 610,298 | 150,217 | 2.0 | 2.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other services |
281,061 | 366,118 | 464,502 | 526,955 | 574,392 | 161,013 | 1.4 | 2.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
| Total |
11,848,438 | 13,487,251 | 15,172,152 | 16,723,397 | 18,043,587 | 4,399,803 | 61.0 | 63.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
| Total GDP |
19,410,614 | 22,028,276 | 24,313,563 | 26,449,443 | 28,009,935 | 6,933,932 | 100.0 | 100.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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|
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| Net primary income |
690,388 | 1,294,379 | 2,664,590 | 3,433,178 | 4,188,900 | 1,016,477 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total GNI |
20,101,002 | 23,322,655 | 26,978,153 | 29,882,621 | 32,198,834 | 7,950,409 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total GDP ($ billions)(2) |
394.1 | 404.4 | 437.1 | 461.7 | 487.1 | 116.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Per capita GDP, PPP concept ($)(3) |
9,101 | 10,406 | 11,288 | 12,123 | 12,900 | 13,366 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority.
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Notes:
| (1) | Preliminary data for the first three months of 2026. |
| (2) | Calculated using the average exchange rate for the period indicated. See “—Monetary System-Foreign Exchange System.” |
| (3) | The 2026 figure represents annualized per capita GDP, PPP concept, based on preliminary data for the first three months of 2026. |
The following table shows GDP by sector, net primary income and GNI at constant 2018 market prices for the specified periods.
| Gross Domestic Product by Major Sector (at constant market prices) |
Percentage of GDP |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026(1) | 2021 | 2026(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (₱ in millions, except as indicated) | (%) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Agriculture, forestry and fishing sector |
1,775,210 | 1,783,735 | 1,805,217 | 1,777,999 | 1,832,888 | 455,741 | 9.6 | 8.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Industry sector |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mining and quarrying |
144,498 | 152,183 | 155,251 | 157,272 | 161,095 | 46,036 | 0.8 | 0.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Manufacturing |
3,556,426 | 3,729,157 | 3,780,868 | 3,920,535 | 4,019,777 | 1,084,678 | 19.2 | 19.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Electricity, steam, water, and waste management |
615,591 | 647,222 | 684,753 | 734,893 | 740,790 | 171,560 | 3.3 | 3.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction |
1,235,106 | 1,385,186 | 1,507,364 | 1,660,532 | 1,662,025 | 314,616 | 6.7 | 5.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
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| Total |
5,551,622 | 5,913,748 | 6,128,235 | 6,473,232 | 6,583,687 | 1,616,890 | 29.9 | 28.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service sector |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles |
3,413,864 | 3,710,785 | 3,914,600 | 4,133,192 | 4,350,644 | 947,473 | 18.4 | 16.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transport and storage |
547,807 | 679,371 | 767,806 | 835,322 | 890,921 | 235,278 | 3.0 | 4.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accommodation and food service activities |
248,404 | 329,124 | 404,674 | 447,812 | 473,995 | 134,030 | 1.3 | 2.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Information and communication |
638,971 | 690,072 | 718,703 | 752,429 | 782,460 | 188,284 | 3.4 | 3.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial and insurance activities |
1,854,248 | 1,987,008 | 2,160,827 | 2,353,733 | 2,491,818 | 661,404 | 10.0 | 11.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Real estate and ownership of dwellings |
1,054,235 | 1,108,167 | 1,151,914 | 1,212,253 | 1,267,382 | 309,861 | 5.7 | 5.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Professional and business services |
1,136,507 | 1,240,353 | 1,324,886 | 1,425,800 | 1,495,423 | 321,883 | 6.1 | 5.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Public administration and defense; compulsory social activities |
959,685 | 1,003,397 | 1,025,233 | 1,072,145 | 1,145,387 | 245,543 | 5.2 | 4.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Education |
744,159 | 796,154 | 844,718 | 885,724 | 954,461 | 253,614 | 4.0 | 4.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Human health and social work activities |
351,472 | 364,223 | 390,510 | 432,756 | 483,135 | 128,303 | 1.9 | 2.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other services |
263,899 | 339,470 | 409,071 | 446,744 | 476,436 | 128,656 | 1.4 | 2.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
| Total |
11,213,252 | 12,248,122 | 13,112,940 | 13,997,909 | 14,812,061 | 3,554,330 | 60.5 | 63.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
| Total GDP |
18,540,084 | 19,945,605 | 21,046,393 | 22,249,140 | 23,228,637 | 5,626,961 | 100.0 | 100.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
| Net primary income |
639,322 | 1,130,111 | 2,221,265 | 2,801,259 | 3,352,716 | 828,926 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total GNI |
19,179,406 | 21,075,715 | 23,267,658 | 25,050,400 | 26,581,353 | 6,455,887 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority.
Notes:
| (1) | Preliminary data for the first three months of 2026. |
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Principal Sectors of the Economy
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Sector
The agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector’s share to GDP was approximately 8.1% in the first quarter of 2026, compared to approximately 9.6% in 2021.
The Republic’s principal agricultural products include cereals, such as rice and corn, both of which are cultivated primarily for domestic use, and other crops, such as coconuts, sugar cane and bananas, produced for both the domestic market and export. The Philippines’ diverse agricultural system contains many coconut plantations farmed by agricultural tenants and workers, sugar haciendas farmed either under labor administration or by tenants, and large “agro-business” plantations devoted mainly to crops for export such as bananas and pineapples. Rice, corn and coconuts each account for approximately a quarter of the country’s cultivated area. Fishing production is divided into commercial, municipal and aquaculture fishing.
The country’s forests, one of the Philippines’ main natural resources, contain a large quantity of hardwood trees. Over the years, population growth, shifting cultivation, illegal logging and inadequate reforestation have depleted the forests, leading to Government-imposed bans on nearly all logging activity in old growth virgin forests and in second growth residual forests.
Production in the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector contracted by 0.3% in 2021, from a previous contraction of 0.2% in 2020. The increased contraction was caused by a contraction in the manufacturing of abaca by 11.1%, compared to a contraction of 1.7% in 2020, as well as a 17.3% contraction in livestock production, compared to a contraction of 6.9% in 2020.
Production in the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector grew by 0.5% in 2022, compared to a contraction of 0.3% in 2021. Poultry and egg production was the main contributor to the increase with a 6.7% growth in 2022, compared to a contraction of 0.3% in 2021. This was followed by production of abaca with a 6.9% growth and other animal production with a 4.2% growth, compared with contraction of 11.1% and lower growth of 0.9% in 2021, respectively. This was partially offset by a reversal in sugarcane including muscovado-making in the farm at 17.5% in 2022, compared to growth of 8.0% in 2021.
Production in the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector grew by 1.2% in 2023, compared to a growth of 0.5% in 2022. Tobacco production was the main contributor to the increase with 16.7% growth in 2023, compared to a contraction of 0.7% in 2022. This was followed by mango production with a 10.2% growth and support activities to agriculture, forestry and fishing with a 4.6% growth in 2023, compared with a contraction of 4.2% and a growth of 4.1% in 2022, respectively. This was partially offset by a contraction in the growth of forestry and logging of 18.8% in 2023, compared to a contraction of 0.1% in 2022.
Production in the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector contracted by 1.5% in 2024, compared to a growth of 1.2% in 2023. Palay production was the main contributor to the decrease with a contraction of 4.8% in 2024, compared to a growth of 1.7% in 2023. This was followed by production of livestock with a contraction of 4.0% in 2024, compared to a growth of 3.0% in 2023. This decline was partially offset by an increase in the growth of poultry and egg production of 6.5% in 2024, compared to an increase of 4.0% in 2023.
Production in the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector grew by 3.1% in 2025, compared to a contraction of 1.5% in 2024. The main contributors to this growth were sugarcane (including muscovado sugar-making in the farm), poultry and egg production, and palay, which increased by 56.4%, 9.1% and 3.3%, respectively, in 2025, compared to a contraction of 9.4%, a growth of 6.5%, and a contraction of 4.8%, respectively, in 2024. These growths were partially offset by a contraction of 5.6% in mango production in 2025, compared to a contraction of 2.0% in 2024.
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Industry Sector
The industry sector consists of the mining and quarrying, manufacturing, construction, and electricity, steam, water and waste management subsectors. The industry sector’s share to GDP in the first quarter of 2026 was approximately 28.7%, compared to approximately 29.9% in 2021.
In 2021, the industry sector grew by 8.5%, from a contraction of 13.1% in 2020 primarily on account of easing restrictions, which allowed more industries to operate at limited capacity. This resulted in a growth of 10.1% in the construction sector, 8.9% growth in manufacturing, 5.1% growth in mining and quarrying, and 4.5% growth in electricity, steam, and waste management, respectively in 2021, versus contractions of 25.5%, 9.8%, 18.6%, and 0.4%, respectively, in 2020.
In 2022, the industry sector grew by 6.5%, compared with growth of 8.5% in 2021. The lower rate of growth was primarily a result of lower growth in the manufacturing subsectors. Manufacturing grew by 4.9% in 2022, compared to a higher growth of 8.9% in 2021. This was partially offset by an increase in construction subsector from growth of 10.1% in 2021 to growth of 12.1% in 2022.
In 2023, the industry sector grew by 3.6%, compared with growth of 6.5% in 2022. The lower rate of growth was primarily a result of lower growth in the manufacturing and mining and quarrying subsectors. Manufacturing grew by 1.3% in 2023, compared to a higher growth of 4.9% in 2022. Mining and quarrying grew by 2.0% in 2023, compared to a higher growth of 5.3% in 2022.
In 2024, the industry sector grew by 5.6%, compared with growth of 3.6% in 2023. The higher rate of growth was primarily a result of higher growth in the manufacturing and electricity, steam, water and waste management subsectors. Manufacturing grew by 3.7% in 2024, compared to a lower growth of 1.3% in 2023. Electricity, steam, water and waste management grew by 7.3% in 2024, compared to a lower growth of 5.8% in 2023.
In 2025, the industry sector grew by 1.7%, compared with growth of 5.6% in 2024. The lower rate of growth was primarily a result of lower growth in the manufacturing, electricity, steam, water and waste management, and construction subsectors. Manufacturing grew by 2.5% in 2025, compared to a higher growth of 3.7% in 2024. Electricity, steam, water and waste management grew by 0.8% in 2025, compared to a higher growth of 7.3% in 2023. Construction grew by 0.1% in 2025, compared to a higher growth of 10.2% in 2024. Their effects are partially offset by mining and quarrying, which grew by 2.4% in 2025, compared to a growth of 1.3% in 2024.
Manufacturing Subsector
The Republic’s manufacturing subsector comprises three major industry groups:
| | consumer goods, including the food, footwear and garment industries; |
| | intermediate goods, including the petroleum, chemical and chemical product industries; and |
| | capital goods, including the electrical machinery and electronics industries. |
In 2021, the manufacturing subsector grew by 8.9%, compared to a contraction of 9.8% in 2020. The largest contributors to the subsector’s growth were 37.9% growth in the manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products in 2021 as compared to a contraction of 24.1% in 2020, 23.5% growth in the manufacture of textiles in 2021 as compared to a contraction of 35.8% in 2020, and 11.1% growth in the manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products in 2021 as compared to a contraction of 48.1% in 2020.
In 2022, the manufacturing subsector grew by 4.9%, compared to growth of 8.9% in 2021. The largest contributor to the subsector’s lower rate of growth was the manufacture of basic metals, which contracted by 3.5% in 2022, compared to a 21.9% growth in 2021. This was partially offset by an increased growth of 4.8% in the manufacture of food products in 2022, compared to a growth of 4.4% in 2021.
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In 2023, the manufacturing subsector grew by 1.4%, compared to growth of 4.9% in 2022. The largest contributors to the subsector’s lower rate of growth were the manufacture of machinery and equipment except electrical, the manufacture of wood, bamboo, cane, rattan articles and related products, and the manufacture of textiles, which contracted by 5.6%, 5.8% and 11.8%, respectively, in 2023, compared to growth of 22.9%, 23.7% and 9.9%, respectively, in 2022. These were partially offset by higher growth in the manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products from 0.4% in 2022 to 35.8% in 2023 and a reversal in the manufacture of basic metals from a contraction of 3.5% in 2022 to 4.0% growth in 2023.
In 2024, the manufacturing subsector grew by 3.7%, compared to growth of 1.4% in 2023. The largest contributors to the subsector’s higher rate of growth were 4.4% growth in the manufacture of food products in 2024, as compared to a growth of 2.7% in 2023, 5.7% growth in the manufacture of beverages in 2024, as compared to a growth of 0.2% in 2023, and 6.0% growth in the manufacture of chemical and chemical products in 2024, as compared to a contraction of 0.4% in 2023.
In 2025, the manufacturing subsector grew by 2.5%, compared with growth of 3.7% in 2024. The largest contributors to the subsector’s lower rate of growth was the manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products, the manufacture of chemical and chemical products, and the manufacture of basic metals, which contracted by 8.5%, 9.2% and 33.1%, respectively, in 2025, compared to growth of 8.9%, growth of 5.3% and contraction of 8.0%, respectively, in 2024. These declines were partially offset by higher growth in the manufacture of food products, which expanded by 8.7% in 2025, compared to growth of 4.4% in 2024, and a reversal in the manufacture of textiles from a contraction of 3.8% in 2024 to growth of 7.8% in 2025.
The Electric Power Industry
The Republic’s electric power industry comprises four sectors: generation, transmission, distribution, and supply.
In recent years, the Government has sought to implement measures designed to establish a more competitive power market. These measures include the privatization of the National Power Corporation (“NPC”) owned power generation facilities and Independent Power Producer Contracts (“IPP”), and the grant of a concession to operate transmission facilities. Through the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (the “EPIRA”), the Government began to institute major reforms with the goal of fully privatizing all aspects of the power industry. The major aspects of the reforms include the (1) restructuring of the entire power industry to introduce competition in the generation sector, (2) change from government to private ownership, and (3) introduction of a stable regulatory framework for the electricity sector. The EPIRA also created the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (“PSALM”), which is in the process of privatizing the remaining NPC power generation assets, as many of them have been privatized, and the National Transmission Corporation (“Transco”), which is wholly owned by PSALM and is the owner of the electrical transmission system of the government.
PSALM has been privatizing NPC’s generation assets through public bidding processes since the last quarter of 2003. PSALM successfully privatized the Government’s transmission business in 2009 and its operation and management was turned-over to the winning concessionaire on January 15, 2009.
As of December 31, 2025, total proceeds from privatizing power assets were approximately ₱959.6 billion, of which ₱888.7 billion had been collected. The privatization proceeds have been used and will continue to be used to service PSALM’s financial obligations.
Under the EPIRA, PSALM’s original statutory mandate was set to expire in 2026. In 2025, new legislation extended PSALM’s corporate life for an additional ten years from its original expiration date. Accordingly, PSALM will continue to exist until June 26, 2036, after which all its assets and outstanding debts will revert to and be assumed by the national government. This extension prevents the premature reversion of unresolved
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liabilities to the national government and enables PSALM to complete its mandate under EPIRA consistent with prevailing market conditions. Privatization efforts under EPIRA, therefore, remain ongoing. PSALM continues to undertake the sale and disposition of remaining NPC generation assets, real estate holdings, and all other disposable assets, as well as the management of IPP obligations. These activities include the privatization of major power assets such as the Caliraya–Botocan–Kalayaan Hydroelectric Power Plant Complex, which was successfully privatized in December 2025, underscoring continued investor interest and PSALM’s central role in implementing EPIRA’s privatization program.
Service Sector
The service sector includes wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles; transportation and storage; accommodation and food service activities; information and communication; financial and insurance activities; real estate and ownership of dwellings; professional and business services; public administration and defense; compulsory social activities; education; human health and social work activities; and other services subsectors. The service sector’s share to GDP is the largest at 63.2% in the first quarter of 2026, an increase from 60.5% in 2021.
The service sector grew by 5.4% in 2021, from a contraction of 9.1% in 2020. Notwithstanding the gradual reopening of the economy, growth in wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles increased to 4.2% from contraction of 6.1% in 2020. Real estate and ownership of dwellings recorded growth of 2.2% in 2021, compared to contraction of 16.7% in 2020, and growth in financial and insurance services declined from growth of 5.6% in 2020 to 4.8% in 2021.
In 2022, the service sector grew by 9.2% compared to growth of 5.4% in 2021. In 2022, growth was recorded across the service sector, with other services at 28.6%, transportation and storage at 24.0%, and accommodation and food service activities at 32.5%, compared to lower growth rates of 2.0%, 6.3% and 7.2%, respectively, in 2021.
In 2023, the service sector grew by 7.1% compared to growth of 9.2% in 2022. In 2023, growth was recorded across the service sector, with growth in accommodation and food services at 23.2%, other services at 20.8%, and transportation and storage at 13.0%, compared to growth rates of 32.5%, 28.6% and 24.0%, respectively, in 2022.
In 2024, the service sector grew by 6.7% compared to growth of 7.1% in 2023. In 2024, growth was recorded across the service sector, with growth in wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycle at 5.6%, financial and insurance activities at 9.0%, real estate and ownership of dwellings at 5.0%, and professional and business services at 7.9%, compared to growth rates of 5.5%, 8.8%, 4.0% and 6.7%, respectively, in 2023.
In 2025, the service sector grew by 5.8% compared to growth of 6.7% in 2024. In 2025, growth was recorded across the service sector, with growth in wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles at 5.3%, financial and insurance activities at 5.9%, accommodation and food service activities at 5.8%, and professional and business services at 4.9%, compared to growth rates of 5.6%, 8.9%, 10.7% and 7.6%, respectively, in 2024.
The service sector, which accounts for more than 60% of GDP, remains the primary driver of the economy. The Philippine government is actively transforming the service industry through the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028. Key measures include liberalizing foreign investment, driving digital transformation, modernizing infrastructure, and upgrading workforce skills to shift the sector toward higher-value, globally competitive services. Additionally, in November 2024, the Government enacted the CREATE MORE Act which enhanced fiscal incentives for export-oriented enterprises, including income tax holidays and a reduced 5 percent special corporate income tax rate, to strengthen the country’s competitiveness as a global services hub. See “— The CREATE MORE Act.”
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Transport, Storage and Communications Subsector
The geographically diverse nature of the Philippines makes it important to have well developed road, air and sea transportation systems. The Government has encouraged the private sector to provide basic transportation services and strengthen inter-regional and urban links. The Government has expressed its commitment to prioritizing the acceleration of infrastructure development. To this end, the Government continues to invest in key infrastructure through its “Build, Better, More” Program, which supersedes the “Build Build Build” program under the Duterte administration and focuses on both social and physical infrastructure. As of the first quarter of 2026, there were 201 infrastructure flagship projects (“IFPs”) worth approximately US$174.1 billion at various stages of implementation under the “Build, Better, More” Program, with physical connectivity projects—including roads, bridges, rail, airports, maritime, and urban transport—accounting for the largest share, being 133 projects. The IFPs are financed through various sources, including national government allocations, official development assistance, and public-private partnerships. The Philippine road network is the most important transportation system in the nation. Traffic remains congested in the Manila metropolitan area, despite traffic management and various engineering measures. To ease traffic congestion, the Government has built and continues to promote alternative road networks and mass rapid urban-transit-rail.
Use of Philippine rail facilities has declined largely because of the outdated facilities of the Philippine National Railways. To promote the use of rail facilities, the Government approved several public transportation projects, including the Metro Manila Subway Project, a 33.103-kilometer underground rail system in Manila with 17 stations. The Government also continues to develop the North-South Commuter Railway, a 163-kilometer urban rail transit system connecting Central Luzon and Southern Luzon.
Faced with historical shortages of telephone lines and long waits for basic telephone service, especially outside the Manila metropolitan area, the Government liberalized the telecommunications industry in 1993 to intensify competition with the goal of substantially increasing the number of telephone lines and interconnections. The Government has continued to implement programs designed to provide telephone and mobile services to underserved regions of the country. On August 24, 2025, the Konektadong Pinoy Act (Republic Act No. 12234) became effective, introducing an open-access framework for the data transmission sector. The Konektadong Pinoy Act eliminates the requirement for data transmission industry participants to obtain a congressional franchise, replacing it with a streamlined administrative registration process, and promotes infrastructure sharing and fair competition among service providers.
As of October 31, 2021, eight international airports and 79 other facilities throughout the Republic helped meet the Republic’s air transport needs. The Government continues to construct, rehabilitate and upgrade airports to modernize air navigation and communications operations in the Republic, with more regional airports capable of accommodating night flights. In line with the Duterte administration’s “Build Build Build” program, 28 airport projects for construction, rehabilitation or upgrade were listed in the Department of Transportation’s priority agenda. The Marcos administration has stated its intent to build on the “Build Build Build” agenda of the previous administration to improve the country’s railways, roads, and airports in order to spur economic activity and growth.
To this end, the Government continues to invest in key infrastructure through its “Build, Better, More” Program. The “Build, Better, More” Program supersedes the “Build Build Build” program under the Duterte administration and focuses on both social and physical infrastructure. As of December 2024, there were 186 infrastructure flagship projects that are at various stages of implementation under the “Build, Better, More” Program.
Open skies agreements generally allow operating and traffic rights to be granted to foreign air carriers without restrictions on capacity, frequency or type of aircraft. The United States and the Philippines do not have an open skies agreement in place. In February 2016, the Philippines ratified the ASEAN Open Skies agreement with other member nations of the ASEAN bloc. Manila was restricted from participation under the ASEAN Open Skies agreement due infrastructure concerns, including challenges in managing increased air traffic.
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In 2017, the International Civil Aviation Organization (“ICAO”) performed safety oversight audits within the framework of its Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme to determine the Republic’ safety capabilities and the status of implementation of all safety-relevant ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices, associated procedures, guidance material, and best safety practices. In June 2017, the Philippines received approval from the International Civil Aviation Organization, signaling that the country’s aviation sector is compliant with global standards in terms of air safety regulations.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government placed restrictions on international flights from and to the Philippines and limited the number of international routes and flights each airline in the Philippines could operate. The Government has adopted a color-coding risk scheme for countries of origin through IATF Resolution No. 144-A to have a more targeted approach to restrictions. Pursuant to Proclamation No. 297 by the President of the Philippines, the state of public health emergency throughout the Philippines has been lifted effective from July 21, 2023.
Net Primary Income
Net primary income is a component of GNI but is not included in GDP. Net primary income is a significant factor in the Philippine economy, largely driven by OFW remittances. Net primary income includes estimates of the amount of compensation of OFWs, as well as investment income of OFWs from their properties. According to the latest figures from the PSA for years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, net primary income accounted for 3.3%, 5.4%, 9.6%, 11.2% and 12.6% of GNI, respectively.
In 2021, net primary income contracted by 51.6%, compared to a 31.1% contraction the year before, based on constant 2018 market prices. This higher contraction was primarily due to a 48.2% decrease in inflows arising from compensation compared to a 29.3% decrease in 2020, compared to an increase of 18.1% in outflows from compensation in 2020.
In 2022, net primary income grew by 77.3% compared to a 51.6% contraction in 2021, based on constant 2018 market prices. This reversal was primarily due to a decrease of 26.4% in the outflows in investment income in 2022, compared to an increase of 23.8% in the outflow in investment income in 2021.
In 2023, net primary income grew by 96.6% compared to growth of 77.3% in 2022, based on constant 2018 market prices. This increase in growth was primarily due to increased growth in inflows arising from compensation from 47.2% in 2022 to 86.8% in 2023 and increased growth in inflows arising from property income from 42.0% in 2022 to 71.0% in 2023. This was partially offset by a reversal in the outflows arising from compensation, from contraction of 52.9% in 2022 to growth of 170.2% in 2023.
In 2024, net primary income grew by 26.1% compared to growth of 96.6% in 2023, based on constant 2018 market prices. This decrease in rate of growth was primarily due to decreased growth in inflows arising from compensation from 86.8% in 2023 to 23.7% in 2024 and decreased growth in inflows arising from property income from 70.0% in 2023 to 11.8% in 2024. This was partially offset by a decreased growth in outflows arising from property expense from 42.1% in 2023 to 8.2% in 2024.
In 2025, net primary income grew by 19.7% compared to growth of 26.1% in 2024, based on constant 2018 market prices. This decrease in rate of growth was primarily due to decreased growth in inflows arising from compensation from 23.7% in 2024 to 18.2% in 2025 and the reversal of growth of 11.8% in inflows arising from property income in 2024 to contraction of 3.5% in 2025. These changes were partially offset by a greater contraction in outflows arising from compensation from 14.0% in 2024 to 51.7% in 2025, and the reversal of growth of 8.2% in outflows arising from property expense in 2024 to contraction of 0.4% in 2025.
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Prices, Employment and Wages
Inflation
The Philippines reports inflation as the annual percentage change in the consumer price index (“CPI”), which measures the average price of a standard “basket” of goods and services used by a typical consumer. The National Statistics Office (“NSO”) conducts a nationwide Family Income and Expenditure Survey every three years. The Family Income and Expenditure Survey 2018 was released in February 2020. In January 2022, the PSA announced that it was rebasing the CPI to base year 2018, and that it would start reporting figures based on the 2018 CPI basket in February 2022. The Government stopped reporting inflation figures based on the 2012 CPI basket in January 2022.
The following table sets out the principal components of the 2018 CPI basket and their weights.
| Category |
2018 CPI Basket |
|||
| (%) | ||||
| Food and non-alcoholic beverages |
37.75 | |||
| Alcoholic beverages and tobacco |
2.16 | |||
| Clothing and footwear |
3.14 | |||
| Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels |
21.38 | |||
| Furnishings, household equipment, and routine household maintenance |
3.22 | |||
| Health |
2.89 | |||
| Transport |
9.03 | |||
| Information and communication |
3.41 | |||
| Recreation, sport, and culture |
0.96 | |||
| Education services |
1.96 | |||
| Restaurants and accommodation services |
9.62 | |||
| Financial services |
0.03 | |||
| Personal care and miscellaneous goods and services |
4.46 | |||
The following table sets out the CPI and inflation rate. Figures are based on the 2018 CPI basket.
| Changes in Consumer Price Index | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026(1) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer price index |
108.9 | 115.3 | 122.2 | 126.1 | 128.2 | 135.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Inflation rate |
3.9 | % | 5.8 | % | 6.0 | % | 3.2 | % | 1.7 | % | 6.8 | % | ||||||||||||
Sources: Bangko Sentral; Philippine Statistics Authority.
Note:
| (1) | Preliminary data as of May 31, 2026. |
Consumer Price Index
The discussion below is based on the 2018 CPI basket.
The average inflation rate for 2021 was 3.9%, higher than the average inflation rate of 2.4% in 2020. The higher rate of inflation in 2021 was due mainly to increases in the rates of inflation for food and non-alcoholic beverages, transport, and housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels from 2.9%, 1.5%, and 0.7%, respectively, in 2020 to 4.2%, 9.3%, and 2.5%, respectively, for 2021.
The average inflation rate for 2022 was 5.8%, higher than the average of 3.9% for 2021. The upward trend was due mainly to the higher annual growth rate in the price index for transport at 12.9%, alcoholic beverages
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and tobacco at 7.9%, and food and non-alcoholic beverages at 5.9%. The following increases in price indices in 2022 also contributed to the increase in average inflation rate in 2022: housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, 6.4%; clothing and footwear, 2.6%; furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance, 3.2%; recreation, sport and culture, 2.3%; restaurants and accommodation services, 4.1%; information and communication, 0.6% and personal care and miscellaneous goods and services, 3.0%.
The average inflation rate for 2023 was 6.0%, higher than the average inflation rate of 5.8% for 2022. The higher rate of inflation in 2023 was due mainly to increases in the rates of inflation for food and non-alcoholic beverages and inflation for alcoholic beverages and tobacco from 5.9% and 7.9%, respectively, in 2022 to 7.9% and 10.7%, respectively, for 2023.
The average inflation rate in 2024 was 3.2%, lower than the average inflation rate of 6.0% in 2023. The lower rate of inflation in 2024 was due mainly to decreases in the rates of inflation for food and non-alcoholic beverages from 7.9% in 2023 compared to 4.4% in 2024.
The average inflation rate for 2025 was 1.7%, lower than the average inflation rate of 3.2% for 2024. The lower rate of inflation in 2025 was due to lower inflation in majority of the commodity groups, particularly food and non-alcoholic beverages, clothing and footwear, and restaurants and accommodation services. Average inflation rates for these commodity groups were 1.2%, 1.8% and 2.4%, respectively, in 2025, compared to 4.4%, 3.2% and 4.8%, respectively, in 2024.
The inflation rate as of May 2026 was 6.8%, higher than the inflation rate of 1.3% as of May 2025. The higher rate of inflation in May 2026 was due to higher inflation in almost all the commodity groups, particularly food and non-alcoholic beverages, housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, transport, and restaurants and accommodation services. Inflation rates for these commodity groups were 5.7%, 7.8%, 16.2% and 6.7%, respectively, as of May 2026, compared to 0.9%, 2.3%, (2.4)% and 2.0%, respectively, as of May 2025.
Producer Price Index (“PPI”)
In January 2021, the 2018 PPI basket was released. The PSA rebased 2019 and 2020 PPI to base year 2018.
In 2021, the producer price index recorded an average deflation of 1.8%, compared to average deflation of 4.6% in 2020. Manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products posted an average inflation of 5.0% compared to deflation of 21.8% in 2020.
In 2022, the producer price index recorded an average inflation of 6.5%, compared to average deflation of 1.8% in 2021. This was primarily attributable to increases in the price indices for the manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products and the manufacture of chemical and chemical products, which registered an average inflation of 16.7% and 9.0%, respectively. The producer price indices for most other major industry groups likewise increased during this period.
In 2023, the producer price index recorded an average inflation of 1.4%, compared to average inflation of 6.5% in 2022. This was primarily attributable to decreases in the price indices of the manufacture of basic metals and the manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products, which registered an average deflation of 3.8% and 3.7%, respectively. This was partially offset by increases in the price indices of the manufacture of leather and related products, including footwear, and manufacture of beverages, which posted an average inflation of 4.4% and 10.6%, respectively.
In 2024, the producer price index recorded an average deflation of 0.7%, compared to average inflation of 1.4% in 2023. This was primarily attributable to decreases in the price indices of the manufacture of food products and the manufacture of beverages, which registered average inflation of 1.1% and 3.7% in 2024, respectively, as compared to average inflation of 3.0% and 9.4% in 2023, respectively.
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In 2025, the producer price index recorded an average inflation of 0.5%, compared to average deflation of 0.7% in 2024. This was primarily attributable to increases in the price indices of manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products, and manufacture of basic metals, which registered average inflation of 4.3% and 1.3%, respectively, in 2025, compared to average deflation of 1.5% and 0.1%, respectively, in 2024.
The producer price index as of April 2026 recorded an inflation of 2.4%, compared to inflation of 0.2% as of April 2025. This was primarily attributable to increases in the price indices of Manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products, manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products, and Manufacture of food products, which registered inflation of 4.3%, 5.3% and 1.4%, respectively, as of April 2026, compared to deflation of 1.4%, inflation of 4.5% and inflation of 0.7%, respectively, as of April 2025.
Employment and Wages
The following table presents selected employment estimates for various sectors of the economy.
| Selected Employment Information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021(1) | 2022(2) | 2023(3) | 2024(4) | 2025(5) | 2026(6) | |||||||||||||||||||
| (all figures in percentages except as indicated) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Employed persons (in thousands)(7) |
43,988 | 46,887 | 48,178 | 48,841 | 49,013 | 49,069 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Unemployment rate(8) |
7.8 | 5.4 | 4.4 | 3.8 | 4.2 | 5.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Employment share by sector: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Agriculture, forestry and fishing sector |
25.6 | 24.0 | 23.2 | 20.6 | 20.5 | 19.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Industry sector |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mining and quarrying |
0.4 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Manufacturing |
8.0 | 7.7 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.1 | 7.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Construction |
9.1 | 8.8 | 9.4 | 9.9 | 9.9 | 9.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities |
0.2 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply |
0.1 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Total industry sector |
17.8 | 17.1 | 17.5 | 18.3 | 17.8 | 17.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Service sector |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transportation and storage |
6.5 | 6.7 | 7.3 | 7.7 | 7.7 | 8.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles |
21.5 | 22.3 | 21.0 | 20.7 | 20.5 | 20.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Finance and housing(9) |
8.2 | 7.6 | 7.8 | 8.0 | 8.2 | 7.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other services(10) |
20.4 | 22.2 | 23.2 | 24.7 | 25.4 | 26.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Total service sector |
56.6 | 58.9 | 59.3 | 61.1 | 61.7 | 63.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Total employed |
100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Sources: Philippine Statistics Authority; Annual Labor and Employment Status; Labor Force Survey.
Notes:
| (1) | Annual estimates were based on the final results of the 2021 Labor Force Survey. |
| (2) | Annual estimates were based on the final results of the 2022 Labor Force Survey. |
| (3) | Annual estimates were based on the final results of the 2023 Labor Force Survey. |
| (4) | Annual estimates were based on the final results of the 2024 Labor Force Survey. |
| (5) | Annual estimates were based on the preliminary results of the 2025 Labor Force Survey. |
| (6) | Preliminary results as of March 2026 based on the March 2026 Labor Force Survey. |
| (7) | Does not include OFWs. |
| (8) | Annual unemployment rate for 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. Monthly unemployment rate for March 2026. |
| (9) | Sum of financial and insurance activities, real estate activities and public administration and defense; compulsory social security subsectors. |
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| (10) | Sum of all other service sectors excluding transport and storage, wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, finance and housing. |
Regional tripartite bodies consisting of representatives of Government, businesses and workers establish minimum wage adjustments, which vary based on region and industry. Under Philippine law, minimum wage adjustments may only be increased once in any 12-month period. However, petitions for a minimum wage increase may be entertained when there is a supervening condition, such as an extraordinary increase in the prices of petroleum products and/or basic goods and services. The minimum wages for workers in Metro Manila and the surrounding areas are the highest in the country. As of May 2026, the minimum wage for non-agricultural workers in the Metro Manila, was ₱695 per day, while for agricultural workers, the minimum wage was ₱658 per day. In other regions of the Republic, the minimum wage for non-agricultural workers ranges from ₱386 to ₱600 per day, while for agricultural workers, the minimum wage ranges from ₱366 to ₱570 per day.
The Government defines unemployment to include all persons at least 15 years old without work who are seeking work and are also immediately available for work (excluding, for example, students seeking work who would not be able to immediately take on new employment). A person may still be considered unemployed despite not seeking work if he/she did not look for work due to any of the following reasons: (a) tired/believe no work is available, (b) awaiting results of previous job application, (c) temporary illness/disability, (d) bad weather, or (e) waiting for rehire/job recall.
In 2021, the total number of employed persons in the Republic, excluding OFWs, was estimated at 44.0 million. The unemployment rate was 7.8% in 2021, lower than the 10.3% unemployment rate recorded in 2020. The rate of labor force participation and the rate of underemployment were 63.3% and 15.9% respectively, representing an increase from 59.5% in 2020, and a decrease from 16.2%, in 2020, respectively. In 2021, workers in the Republic were primarily employed in the service sector, representing 56.6% of the total employed population in the Republic, of which workers in the wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles made up 21.5% of the total employed. Workers in the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector and the industry sector comprised 25.6% and 17.8%, respectively, of the total employed in 2021.
In 2022, the total number of employed persons in the Republic, excluding OFWs, was estimated at 46.9 million. The unemployment rate was 5.4% in 2022, lower than the 7.8% unemployment rate in 2021. The rate of labor force participation was 64.7% in 2022, higher than 63.3% in 2021. In 2022, workers in the Republic were primarily employed in the service sector, representing 58.9% of the total employed population in the Republic, of which workers in the wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles comprised 22.3% of the total employed. Workers in the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector and the industry sector comprised 24.0% and 17.1%, respectively, of the total employed in 2022, compared to 25.6% and 17.8%, respectively, of the total employed 2021.
In 2023, the total number of employed persons in the Republic, excluding OFWs, was estimated at 48.2 million. The unemployment rate was 4.4% in 2023, lower than the 5.4% unemployment rate in 2022. The rate of labor force participation was 64.9% in 2023, higher than 64.7% in 2022. In 2023, workers in the Republic were primarily employed in the service sector, representing 59.3% of the total employed population in the Republic, of which workers in the wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles comprised 21.0% of the total employed. Workers in the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector and the industry sector comprised 23.2% and 17.5%, respectively, of the total employed in 2023, compared to 23.1% and 18.2%, respectively, of the total employed in 2022.
In 2024, the total number of employed persons in the Republic, excluding OFWs, was estimated at 48.8 million. The unemployment rate was 3.8% in 2024 based on preliminary data, lower than the 4.4% unemployment rate in 2023. The rate of labor force participation was 64.4% in 2024, lower than 64.9% in 2023. In 2024, workers in the Republic were primarily employed in the service sector, representing 61.1% of the total employed population in the Republic, of which workers in the wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor
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vehicles and motorcycles comprised 20.7% of the total employed. Workers in the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector and the industry sector comprised 20.6 % and 18.3%, respectively, of the total employed in 2024, compared to 23.2% and 17.5%, respectively, of the total employed in 2023.
Based on preliminary data, the total number of employed persons in the Republic, excluding OFWs, was estimated at 49.0 million in 2025. The unemployment rate was 4.2% based on preliminary data, higher than the 3.8% unemployment rate recorded in 2024. The rate of labor force participation was 64.1%, lower than 64.4% in 2024. Based on preliminary 2025 data, workers in the Republic were primarily employed in the service sector, representing 61.7% of the total employed population in the Republic, of which workers in the wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles comprised 20.5% of the total employed. Workers in the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector and the industry sector comprised 20.5% and 17.8%, respectively, of the total employed, compared to 20.6% and 18.3%, respectively, of the total employed in 2024.
As of March 2026, based on preliminary data, the total number of employed persons in the Republic, excluding OFWs, was estimated at 49.1 million. The unemployment rate was 5.0% as of March 2026 based on preliminary data, higher than the 3.9% unemployment rate as of March 2025. The rate of labor force participation was 63.3% as of March 2026, higher than 62.9% as of March 2025. As of March 2026, workers in the Republic were primarily employed in the service sector, representing 63.0% of the total employed population in the Republic, of which workers in the wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles comprised 20.2% of the total employed. Workers in the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector and the industry sector comprised 19.1% and 17.9%, respectively, of the total employed as of March 2026, compared to 20.7% and 16.9%, respectively, as of March 2025.
The following tables present employment information in the Republic by gender and by age group:
| Percentage Distribution of Population 15 Years Old and over by Employment Status, by Age Group |
||||||||
| March 2025 | March 2026 | |||||||
| (Unemployed) | ||||||||
| (all figures in percentages) | ||||||||
| Both sexes 15 – 24 |
33.7 | 32.1 | ||||||
| 25 – 34 |
38.7 | 38.9 | ||||||
| 35 – 44 |
12.1 | 12.5 | ||||||
| 45 – 54 |
10.0 | 10.2 | ||||||
| 55 – 64 |
4.2 | 5.3 | ||||||
| 65 and over |
1.3 | 0.9 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total for all ages |
100.0 | 100.0 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Sources: Philippine Statistics Authority; March 2026 Labor Force Survey.
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| Percentage Distribution of Labor Force by Sex |
||||||||
| March 2025 | March 2026 | |||||||
| (all figures in percentages) | ||||||||
| Labor Force |
||||||||
| Male |
58.3 | 58.5 | ||||||
| Female |
41.7 | 41.5 | ||||||
| Total |
100.0 | 100.0 | ||||||
| Employed |
||||||||
| Male |
58.4 | 58.4 | ||||||
| Female |
41.6 | 41.6 | ||||||
| Total |
100.0 | 100.0 | ||||||
| Unemployed |
||||||||
| Male |
57.9 | 60.5 | ||||||
| Female |
42.1 | 39.5 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total |
100.0 | 100.0 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Sources: Philippine Statistics Authority; March 2026 Labor Force Survey.
As of March 2026, 32.1% of the total unemployed population consisted of young people aged 15 to 24 years old, lower than 33.7% recorded as of March 2025. In terms of gender, the female population represented 41.6% and 39.5% of the employed and unemployed workforce, respectively, as of March 2026, whereas the male population represented 58.4% and 60.5% of the employed and unemployed workforce, respectively, as of March 2026.
The PSA publishes statistics on poverty in the Republic measured in terms of a Government-determined per capita poverty threshold, which is the minimum income required for a family or individual to meet basic food and non-food requirements and a per capita subsistence threshold, which is the minimum income required for a family or individual to meet basic food requirements. According to the PSA, the poverty incidence among families was 13.2% in 2021, an increase from 12.1% recorded in 2018. According to NEDA, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including income and employment losses, caused the poverty incidence rate to rise, accompanied by difficulties for poor families caused by restrictions on mobility and low earning capacity. In 2023, the poverty incidence among families was 10.9%, a decrease from 13.2% in 2021.
Overseas Employment
OFW remittances are a significant source of income for the Philippine economy. The Republic accounts for estimates of the amount of compensation of OFWs, as well as investment income of OFWs from their properties as net primary income, and net primary income accounted for 3.3%, 5.4%, 9.6%, 11.2% and 12.6% of GNI in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, respectively, according to the PSA.
Cash inflows from OFWs increased by 3.3% to $35.6 billion in 2025 as compared to $34.5 billion in 2024, according to preliminary data. According to the PSA’s 2024 Survey on Overseas Filipinos, there were approximately 2.19 million OFWs, approximately 42.8% of which were males and 57.2% of which were females.
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The following table presents the geographical distribution of OFWs.
| Geographical Distribution of OFWs | ||||||||||||
| By Place of Work as of 2024(1) |
Total Cash Remittances for the nine months ended September 30, 2024(2) |
Average Cash Remittance per OFW for the nine months ended September 30, 2024(2) |
||||||||||
| (%) | (₱ in millions) | (₱ in thousands) | ||||||||||
| Africa |
1.3 | 2,963 | 106 | |||||||||
| Asia |
74.5 | 133,084 | 91 | |||||||||
| East Asia(3) |
17.7 | — | — | |||||||||
| Southeast and South-Central Asia(4) |
7.8 | — | — | |||||||||
| Western Asia(5) |
49.0 | — | — | |||||||||
| Australia |
4.4 | 14,440 | 178 | |||||||||
| Europe |
10.6 | 29,425 | 149 | |||||||||
| North and South America |
9.2 | 34,395 | 203 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
| Total |
100.0 | 214,307 | 111 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority-2023 Survey on Overseas Filipinos.
Notes:
| (1) | Estimates cover overseas Filipinos whose departure occurred within the last five years ended September 30, 2024 and who were working or had worked abroad during the six months from April 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024. |
| (2) | Estimates cover remittances during six months prior to survey of overseas Filipinos whose departure occurred within the last five years ended September 30, 2024 and who were working or had worked abroad during the six months from April 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024. |
| (3) | Includes Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, the People’s Republic of China and South Korea, among others. |
| (4) | Includes Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Cambodia and Indonesia, among others. |
| (5) | Includes Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Israel, Lebanon and Jordan, among others. |
The following table presents the occupational distribution of OFWs.
| Occupational Distribution of OFWs |
||||
| By Occupation as of 2024(1) |
||||
| (%) | ||||
| Managers |
2.0 | |||
| Professionals |
8.9 | |||
| Technicians and associate professionals |
6.5 | |||
| Clerical support workers |
3.0 | |||
| Service and sales workers |
12.7 | |||
| Skilled agricultural forestry and fishery workers |
0.7 | |||
| Craft and related trades workers |
7.2 | |||
| Plant and machine operators and assemblers |
15.4 | |||
| Elementary occupations |
43.6 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Total |
100.0 | |||
|
|
|
|||
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority-2024 Survey on Overseas Filipinos.
Note:
| (1) | Estimates cover overseas Filipinos whose departure occurred within the last five years ended September 30, 2024 and who were working or had worked abroad during the six months from April 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024. |
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The following table presents the gender and age distribution of OFWs.
| Age Distribution of OFWs as of 2024(1) |
||||||||||||
| Both sexes | Male | Female | ||||||||||
| (%) | ||||||||||||
| 15 – 24 |
1.7 | 1.6 | 1.9 | |||||||||
| 25 – 29 |
15.1 | 13.8 | 16.1 | |||||||||
| 30 – 34 |
21.3 | 18.6 | 23.3 | |||||||||
| 35 – 39 |
19.2 | 16.7 | 21.0 | |||||||||
| 40 – 44 |
16.9 | 18.5 | 15.7 | |||||||||
| 45 and over |
25.8 | 30.8 | 22.0 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
| Total for all ages |
100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority-2023 Survey on Overseas Filipinos.
Note:
| (1) | Estimates cover overseas Filipinos whose departure occurred within the last five years ended September 30, 2024 and who were working or had worked abroad during the six months from April 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024. |
While the COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant drop in OFW deployment, demand for Filipino workers abroad has since gradually recovered.
According to preliminary data from the Department of Migrant Workers, the total deployment of OFWs has increased by 3.5% from 2.30 million in 2023 to 2.38 million in 2024, and further increased by 15.4% to 2.74 million in 2025.
Social Security System and Government Service Insurance System
The Republic does not pay any unemployment compensation or make any general welfare payments other than through the Social Security System and the Government Service Insurance System. The Social Security System provides private sector employees, including self-employed persons and their families, with protection against decreases in income due to disability, sickness, old age and death. Monthly contributions by covered employees and their employers, and investment income of the Social Security System, fund the system. The Social Security System invests its funds in Government securities and in domestic equity securities.
The Government Service Insurance System administers social security benefits for Government employees, including retirement benefits, life insurance, medical care and sickness and disability benefits. It also administers the self-insurance program for Government properties, such as buildings and equipment. The Government Service Insurance System also oversees loan programs, including housing loans for Government employees. Monthly contributions by covered employees and their employers fund the system. Government agencies must include in their annual appropriations the amounts needed to cover their share of the contributions and any additional premium required based on the hazardous nature of the work. The Government Service Insurance System invests its funds in a manner similar to the Social Security System.
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National Savings
The following table sets out gross savings and gross domestic savings as a percentage of GDP.
| National Savings | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Item | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||
| (%) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross savings (% of GDP) |
24.8 | 20.2 | 22.5 | 27.3 | 29.2 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Gross domestic savings (% of GDP) |
9.7 | 9.2 | 9.1 | 9.3 | 9.4 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Source: World Bank national accounts data.
Sustainable Finance Framework
In January 2022, the Republic published its Sustainable Finance Framework (the “Framework”) to support its sustainability commitments. The Framework solidifies its commitment to implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (“UN SDGs”) set by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 for the year 2030. The Framework sets out how the Republic intends to raise green, social or sustainability bonds, loans and other debt instruments in the international capital markets. The Republic’s Framework and eligible expenditures portfolio under the Framework are aligned with the four core components of the Green Bond Principles 2021, Social Bond Principles 2021, and Sustainability Bond Guidelines 2021 published by the International Capital Market Association, as well as Green Loan Principles 2021 and Social Loan Principles 2021 published by the Loan Market Association and the ASEAN Green Bond Standards issued by the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum in October 2018.
With any financing raised under the Framework, the Republic intends to contribute to the development of the sustainable financing market domestically in the Philippines. The Framework lays out the process that will be used to ensure transparency and disclosure of the use of proceeds, as well as the expected environmental and social impact of eligible green and social projects, in keeping with international best practices.
Proceeds of financings raised under the Framework will be used to support projects that reflect the Republic’s commitment toward sustainable development and the UN SDGs, in line with the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 and Public Investment Program 2017-2022. The issuance of sustainable financing instruments will also support the Republic’s climate change commitments under its National Framework Strategy on Climate Change, including the Republic’s Nationally Determined Contribution in accordance with Decision 1/CP.21 of the Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which has the objective to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030. Eligible social expenditures, and/or eligible green expenditures under the Framework can include direct or indirect investments, subsidies, support schemes, incentive mechanisms or tax foregone (or a combination of such expenditures) and selected operational expenditures. Such eligible social projects and/or eligible green projects exclude any contributions from other stakeholders.
The Republic has also endeavored to follow the United Nations Environment Programme’s Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles in respect of asset categories in relation to a sustainable blue economy. The following are the four core components of these principles (i) Use of Proceeds, (ii) Process for Project Evaluation and Selection, (iii) Management of Proceeds and (iv) Reporting; including a reference to external reviews. Sustainable financing instruments issued under the Framework will be standard recourse-to-the-issuer obligations and investors will not bear the credit risk of the underlying allocated eligible asset exposures. The Republic expects to publish an allocation and impact report for any outstanding sustainable financing instrument issued under the Framework on an annual basis on the Department of Finance and Bureau of Treasury’s publicly available websites.
The Framework has been evaluated by an independent rating and research agency based in France, which has so indicated in a second party opinion (“Opinion”) delivered to the Republic stating that the Framework is
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aligned with the International Capital Market Association’s Green Bond Principles and Social Bond Principles (each as adopted in 2021), and the Loan Market Association’s Green Loan Principles and Social Loan Principles (each as adopted in 2021). The Opinion provides opinions on certain environmental and related considerations and is not intended to address any credit, market, or other aspects of an investment in any securities, including without limitation market price, marketability, investor preference, or suitability of any security. The Opinion is a statement of opinion, not a statement of fact. The Opinion is not, nor should be deemed to be, a recommendation by the Republic to buy, sell or hold any securities. No representation or assurance is given by the Republic as to the suitability or reliability of the Opinion or any other opinion or certification of any third party made available in connection with any sustainable financing instrument, including any global bonds, issued by the Republic under the Framework or otherwise, nor is any such opinion or certification a recommendation by the Republic to buy, sell or hold any such securities.
The Framework and the Opinion are available on the Republic’s publicly available website. The contents of any publicly available website referred to herein, the Framework, the Opinion and any practices contemplated under these documents are not incorporated into this annual report, or the terms of the global bonds. They do not establish enforceable contractual obligations of the Republic. These documents speak only as of their respective dates, and are subject to change without notice and the Republic does not assume any responsibility or obligation to update or revise such documents, regardless of whether such documents are affected by the results of new information, future events or otherwise. Although the Framework contemplates certain practices with respect to reporting and use of proceeds, any failure by the Republic to conform to these practices does not constitute or give rise to a breach or an event of default under the global bonds. The Republic does not accept any responsibility for any losses howsoever arising, directly or indirectly, from the Framework, the Opinion or their respective contents. Accordingly, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these documents.
Balance of Payments
Overview
Balance of payments figures measure the relative flow of goods, services, and capital into and out of the country as represented in the current account and the capital and financial account. The current account tracks a country’s trade-in-goods, services, income and current transfer transactions. The capital and financial account includes the capital account, which covers all transactions involving capital transfers and acquisition or disposal of non-produced, non-financial assets, and the financial account, which covers all transactions associated with changes of ownership in the foreign financial assets and liabilities of an economy. A balance of payments surplus indicates a net inflow of foreign currencies, thereby increasing demand for and strengthening the local currency. A balance of payments deficit indicates a net outflow of foreign currencies, thereby decreasing demand for and weakening the local currency.
Revisions
The balance of payments statistics released by the Bangko Sentral are based on the trade-in-goods statistics compiled by the NSO. However, for purposes of inclusion in the overall balance of payments, the trade-in-goods statistics reported by the NSO are adjusted by the Bangko Sentral to exclude temporary exports and imports and returned goods. In March 2013, the Bangko Sentral adopted the IMF’s BPM6 framework covering balance of payments statistics for 2011 onwards, pursuant to which the property income and expense accounts have been revised. Concurrently with the releases of the latest balance of payments data, the Bangko Sentral often releases revisions to the balance of payments data previously reported adjusting for any updated data received from various departments and any change in reporting methodology. The balance of payments data presented below reflects the latest data published by the Bangko Sentral as of the date of this annual report.
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The following table sets out the balance of payments of the Republic for the periods indicated.
| Balance of Payments | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023(1) | 2024(1) | 2025(2) | ||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Current account(3) |
(5,943 | ) | (18,261 | ) | (12,387 | ) | (18,565 | ) | (16,291 | ) | ||||||||||
| Exports |
130,082 | 143,234 | 152,172 | 156,157 | 166,415 | |||||||||||||||
| Imports |
136,024 | 161,495 | 164,559 | 174,723 | 182,706 | |||||||||||||||
| Goods, Services, and Primary Income |
(35,444 | ) | (48,857 | ) | (43,511 | ) | (50,252 | ) | (48,972 | ) | ||||||||||
| Total exports |
99,630 | 111,856 | 119,956 | 123,281 | 132,579 | |||||||||||||||
| Total imports |
135,074 | 160,714 | 163,467 | 173,533 | 181,551 | |||||||||||||||
| Goods and Services |
(38,767 | ) | (53,806 | ) | (47,853 | ) | (54,991 | ) | (53,424 | ) | ||||||||||
| Exports |
87,798 | 98,832 | 103,588 | 105,728 | 114,898 | |||||||||||||||
| Imports |
126,565 | 152,638 | 151,441 | 160,719 | 168,321 | |||||||||||||||
| Goods |
(52,806 | ) | (69,701 | ) | (66,036 | ) | (68,863 | ) | (66,670 | ) | ||||||||||
| Exports |
54,228 | 57,710 | 55,257 | 55,056 | 63,411 | |||||||||||||||
| Imports |
107,034 | 127,412 | 121,292 | 123,920 | 130,081 | |||||||||||||||
| Services |
14,039 | 15,895 | 18,183 | 13,872 | 13,246 | |||||||||||||||
| Exports |
33,570 | 41,122 | 48,332 | 50,671 | 51,486 | |||||||||||||||
| Imports |
19,531 | 25,226 | 30,149 | 36,799 | 38,240 | |||||||||||||||
| Primary Income |
3,323 | 4,949 | 4,342 | 4,739 | 4,451 | |||||||||||||||
| Receipts |
11,832 | 13,024 | 16,367 | 17,553 | 17,682 | |||||||||||||||
| Payments |
8,509 | 8,076 | 12,025 | 12,814 | 13,230 | |||||||||||||||
| Secondary Income |
29,501 | 30,596 | 31,124 | 31,687 | 32,682 | |||||||||||||||
| Receipts |
30,452 | 31,378 | 32,217 | 32,877 | 33,836 | |||||||||||||||
| Payments |
950 | 781 | 1,092 | 1,190 | 1,154 | |||||||||||||||
| Capital account(3) |
80 | 23 | 74 | 63 | 89 | |||||||||||||||
| Receipts |
99 | 86 | 88 | 73 | 101 | |||||||||||||||
| Payments |
19 | 62 | 14 | 10 | 13 | |||||||||||||||
| Financial account(4) |
(6,433 | ) | (13,885 | ) | (13,606 | ) | (19,064 | ) | (10,887 | ) | ||||||||||
| Net acquisition of financial assets(5) |
10,261 | 2,533 | 4,147 | 4,517 | 5,839 | |||||||||||||||
| Net incurrence of liabilities(5) |
16,694 | 16,419 | 17,753 | 23,581 | 16,725 | |||||||||||||||
| Direct investment |
(9,732 | ) | (5,631 | ) | (5,400 | ) | (6,700 | ) | (6,189 | ) | ||||||||||
| Net acquisition of financial assets(5) |
2,251 | 3,861 | 3,525 | 2,699 | 1,602 | |||||||||||||||
| Net incurrence of liabilities(5) |
11,983 | 9,492 | 8,925 | 9,398 | 7,791 | |||||||||||||||
| Portfolio investment |
10,237 | (1,684 | ) | 3,544 | (3,528 | ) | 1,297 | |||||||||||||
| Net acquisition of financial assets(5) |
7,809 | (281 | ) | 3,463 | 960 | 4,958 | ||||||||||||||
| Net incurrence of liabilities(5) |
(2,428 | ) | 1,402 | (81 | ) | 4,488 | 3,661 | |||||||||||||
| Financial derivatives |
49 | (48 | ) | (115 | ) | (271 | ) | 25 | ||||||||||||
| Net acquisition of financial assets(5) |
(449 | ) | (632 | ) | (779 | ) | (1,023 | ) | (943 | ) | ||||||||||
| Net incurrence of liabilities(5) |
(498 | ) | (584 | ) | (664 | ) | (753 | ) | (968 | ) | ||||||||||
| Other investment |
(6,987 | ) | (6,523 | ) | (11,635 | ) | (8,566 | ) | (6,020 | ) | ||||||||||
| Net acquisition of financial assets(5) |
649 | (415 | ) | (2,062 | ) | 1,881 | 221 | |||||||||||||
| Net incurrence of liabilities(5) |
7,636 | 6,108 | 9,573 | 10,447 | 6,241 | |||||||||||||||
| Net unclassified items(6) |
774 | (2,911 | ) | 2,378 | 47 | (346 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Overall balance of payments position(7) |
1,345 | (7,263 | ) | 3,672 | 609 | (5,661 | ) | |||||||||||||
Sources: Department of Economic Statistics; Bangko Sentral.
Notes:
| (1) | Revised data. |
| (2) | Preliminary data. |
| (3) | Balances in the current and capital accounts are derived by deducting debit entries from credit entries. |
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| (4) | Balances in the financial account are derived by deducting net incurrence of liabilities from net acquisition of financial assets. |
| (5) | Negative values of Net Acquisition of Financial Assets indicate withdrawal/disposal of financial assets; negative values of Net Incurrence of Liabilities indicate repayment of liabilities. |
| (6) | Net unclassified items is an offsetting account to the overstatement or understatement in either receipts or payments of the recorded balance of payments components relative to the overall balance of payments position. |
| (7) | The overall balance of payments position is calculated as the change in the country’s net international reserves, less non-economic transactions (revaluation and gold monetization/demonetization). Alternatively, it can be derived by adding the current and capital account balances less financial account plus net unclassified items. |
Overall Balance of Payments Performance
In 2021, the overall balance of payments position of the Republic recorded a surplus of $1.3 billion compared to the $16.0 billion surplus in 2020. The change was primarily the result of a deficit in the current account, as well as a higher deficit in the financial account. The current account recorded a deficit of $5.9 billion in 2021, a reversal from the surplus of $11.6 billion recorded in 2020. The financial account recorded net outflows of $6.4 billion in 2021, as compared to net outflows of $6.9 billion in 2020.
In 2022, the overall balance of payments position of the Republic recorded a deficit of $7.3 billion compared to the surplus of $1.3 billion in 2021. The change was primarily the result of a deficit in the current account, as well as a higher deficit in the financial account. The current account recorded a deficit of $18.3 billion in 2022 which exceeds the deficit of $5.9 billion recorded in 2021. The financial account recorded net outflows of $13.9 billion in 2022, as compared to net outflows of $6.4 billion in 2021.
In 2023, based on revised data, the overall balance of payments position of the Republic recorded a surplus of $3.7 billion, compared to a deficit of $7.3 billion in 2022. The change was primarily a result of a decreased deficit in the current account, as well as an increased surplus in trade in services. The current account recorded a deficit of $12.4 billion in 2023, compared to a deficit of $18.3 billion in 2022. Trade in services recorded net inflows of $18.2 billion in 2023, compared to net inflows of $15.9 billion in 2022.
In 2024, based on revised data, the overall balance of payments position of the Republic recorded a surplus of $0.6 billion, compared to a surplus of $3.7 billion in 2023. The change was primarily a result of an increased outflow in financial account from net outflows of $13.6 billion in 2023 to net outflows of $19.1 billion in 2024.
In 2025, based on preliminary data, the overall balance of payments position of the Republic recorded a deficit of $5.7 billion, compared to a surplus of $0.6 billion in 2024. The change was primarily a result of a decrease in net inflows in the financial account from $19.1 billion in 2024 to $10.9 billion in 2025. This was partially offset by an improvement in the current account deficit, which narrowed from $18.6 billion in 2024 to $16.3 billion in 2025.
Current Account
In 2021, the current account recorded a deficit of $5.9 billion, a reversal from the surplus of $11.6 billion recorded in 2020. This deficit was primarily due to a 56.3% increase in the trade-in-goods deficit from $33.8 billion in 2020 to $52.8 billion in 2021, and a 19.0% decrease in the primary income surplus from $4.1 billion in 2020 to $3.3 billion in 2021. These effects were partially offset by a 7.7% increase in the secondary income surplus from $27.4 billion in 2020 to $29.5 billion in 2021.
In 2022, the current account recorded a deficit of $18.3 billion, compared to a deficit of $5.9 billion in 2021. This deficit was primarily due to a 32.0% increase in the trade-in-goods deficit from $52.8 billion in the 2021 to
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$69.7 billion in 2022. This was partially offset by a 13.2% increase in the trade-in-services surplus from $14.0 billion in 2021 to $15.9 billion in 2022, a 48.9% increase in primary income surplus from $3.3 billion in 2021 to $4.9 billion in 2022, and a 3.7% increase in secondary income surplus from $29.5 billion in 2021 to $30.6 billion in 2022.
In 2023, according to revised data, the current account recorded a deficit of $12.4 billion, compared to a deficit of $18.3 billion in 2022. The lower deficit was primarily due to a 5.3% decrease in the trade-in-goods deficit from $69.7 billion in 2022 to $66.0 billion in 2023, a 14.4% increase in the trade-in-services surplus from $15.9 billion in 2022 to $18.2 billion in 2023 and a 1.7% increase in secondary income surplus from $30.6 billion in 2022 to $31.1 billion in 2023. However, this was partially offset by a 12.3% decrease in primary income surplus from $4.9 billion in 2022 to $4.3 billion in 2023.
In 2024, according to preliminary data, the current account recorded a deficit of $18.6 billion, compared to a deficit of $12.4 billion in 2023. The higher deficit was primarily the result of a 23.7% decrease in trade-in-services surplus from $18.2 billion in 2023 to $13.9 billion in 2024. This was partially offset by a 9.1% increase in primary income surplus from $4.3 billion in 2023 to $4.7 billion in 2024.
In 2025, according to preliminary data, the current account recorded a deficit of $16.3 billion, compared to a deficit of $18.6 billion in 2024. The lower deficit was primarily due to a 3.2% decrease in the trade-in-goods deficit from $68.9 billion in 2024 to $66.7 billion in 2025 and a 3.1% increase in secondary income surplus from $31.7 billion in 2024 to $32.7 billion in 2025. However, this was partially offset by a 4.5% decrease in trade-in-services surplus from $13.9 billion in 2024 to $13.2 billion in 2025 and a 6.1% decrease in primary income surplus from $4.7 billion in 2024 to $4.5 billion in 2025.
Goods Trade
Trading in goods significantly affects the Philippine economy. A significant proportion of exports depends on imported raw materials or other inputs, rendering the country’s exports vulnerable to any import decline resulting from a peso depreciation. See “—Monetary System—Foreign Exchange System.”
In 2021, the trade-in-goods deficit increased by 56.3% to $52.8 billion, compared to $33.8 billion in 2020. The increase in trade-in-goods deficit was primarily the result of an increase in imports, which increased by 30.5% in 2021 to $107.0 billion, compared to $82.0 billion recorded in 2020. This was partially offset by an increase in the exports of goods by 12.5% to $54.2 billion in 2021, compared to $48.2 billion in 2020. This was caused by the recovery in imports of goods which continued to outpace that of exports due to increased trade and commerce as COVID-19 restrictions continued to ease globally.
In 2022, the trade-in-goods deficit increased by 32.0% to $69.7 billion, compared to $52.8 billion in 2021. The increase in trade-in-goods deficit was primarily the result of an increase in imports, which increased by 19.0% in 2022 to $127.4 billion, compared to $107.0 billion recorded in 2021. This was partially offset by an increase in exports of goods by 6.4% to $57.7 billion in 2022, compared to $54.2 billion in 2021. This was caused by the recovery in imports of goods which continued to outpace that of exports due to increased trade and commerce as COVID-19 restrictions continued to ease globally.
In 2023, according to preliminary data, the trade-in-goods deficit decreased by 5.3% to $66.0 billion, compared to $69.7 billion in 2022. The lower deficit was primarily the result of a 4.8% decrease in imports, which decreased to $121.3 billion in 2023 compared to $127.4 billion in 2022. This was partially offset by a 4.1% decrease in exports, which decreased to $55.3 billion in 2023 compared to $57.7 billion in 2022. This decline in exports was due mainly to lower commodity prices against the backdrop of slower global economic growth.
In 2024, according to preliminary data, the trade-in-goods deficit increased by 4.3% to $68.9 billion, compared to $66.0 billion in 2023. The higher deficit was primarily a result of an increase in imports, which
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increased by 2.2% to $123.9 billion in 2024 compared to $121.3 billion in 2023, and a 0.4% decrease in exports, which decreased to $55.1 billion in 2024 compared to $55.3 billion in 2023. The decline in exports was mainly due to a combination of various factors, including contraction in global demand and geopolitical uncertainties such as the prolonged Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts.
In 2025, according to preliminary data, the trade-in-goods deficit decreased by 3.2% to $66.7 billion, compared to $68.9 billion in 2024. The lower deficit was primarily the result of a 15.2% increase in exports, which increased to $63.4 billion in 2025 compared to $55.1 billion in 2024. This was partially offset by a 5.0% increase in imports, which increased to $130.1 billion in 2025 compared to $123.9 billion in 2024.
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Exports of Goods
The following table sets out the Republic’s exports of goods by major commodity group, as reported by the PSA.
| Exports by Major Commodity Groups | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Annual | Growth Rates |
January-April | Growth Rates |
Percentage of Total Exports |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025(1) | 2025(1) | 2025(1) | 2026(1) | 2026(1) | 2021 | 2026(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (%) | (%) | (%) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Agricultural products |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coconut products |
1,947 | 2,563 | 1,549 | 2,659 | 3,597 | 34.4 | 1,185 | 1,328 | 12.1 | 2.6 | 4.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sugar and products |
76 | 6 | 5 | 18 | 49 | 165.7 | 1 | 28 | x | 0.1 | 0.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fruits and vegetables |
2,248 | 2,199 | 2,278 | 2,362 | 2,948 | 24.5 | 890 | 1,055 | 18.5 | 3.0 | 3.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other agro-based products |
1,000 | 1,123 | 956 | 923 | 884 | (4.9 | ) | 304 | 294 | (3.1 | ) | 1.3 | 1.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total agricultural based products |
5,271 | 5,891 | 4,787 | 5,963 | 7,476 | 24.8 | 2,381 | 2,705 | 13.6 | 7.1 | 9.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forest products |
377 | 357 | 270 | 194 | 214 | 10.4 | 65 | 93 | 44.0 | 0.5 | 0.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mineral products |
6,721 | 7,268 | 7,142 | 7,016 | 7,393 | 1.6 | 2,081 | 3,044 | 46.3 | 9.0 | 10.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Petroleum products |
6 | 7 | 7 | 187 | 359 | 87.1 | 127 | 104 | (18.1 | ) | 0.0 | 0.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Manufacturing |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Electronic products |
42,496 | 46,155 | 41,909 | 39,095 | 45,888 | 17.6 | 13,891 | 16,500 | 18.8 | 56.9 | 55.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other electronics |
3,432 | 3,504 | 3,744 | 3,659 | 3,686 | 0.7 | 1,226 | 1,273 | 3.8 | 4.6 | 4.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Garments |
742 | 854 | 706 | 663 | 700 | 5.7 | 206 | 204 | (1.1 | ) | 1.0 | 0.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Textile yarns/fabrics |
294 | 291 | 249 | 257 | 310 | 19.5 | 92 | 106 | 15.1 | 0.4 | 0.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Footwear |
111 | 108 | 82 | 91 | 145 | 59.8 | 22 | 58 | 161.0 | 0.1 | 0.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Travel goods and handbags |
647 | 706 | 567 | 546 | 557 | 1.9 | 162 | 173 | 6.9 | 0.9 | 0.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wood manufacturing |
205 | 167 | 70 | 76 | 61 | (19.6 | ) | 19 | 29 | 50.0 | 0.3 | 0.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Furniture and fixtures |
381 | 309 | 289 | 280 | 369 | 31.9 | 113 | 152 | 33.8 | 0.5 | 0.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chemicals |
1,939 | 1,880 | 1,771 | 2,011 | 1,898 | (5.7 | ) | 677 | 663 | (2.0 | ) | 2.6 | 2.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-metallic mineral manufacturing |
296 | 309 | 287 | 365 | 414 | 13.3 | 134 | 142 | 5.8 | 0.4 | 0.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Machinery and transport equipment |
2,371 | 2,215 | 2,399 | 2,644 | 3,641 | 34.3 | 1,004 | 1,646 | 63.9 | 3.2 | 5.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Processed food and beverages |
1,465 | 1,404 | 1,311 | 1,517 | 1,469 | (3.8 | ) | 476 | 471 | (1.1 | ) | 2.0 | 1.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Iron and steel |
67 | 133 | 143 | 147 | 218 | 43.3 | 98 | 44 | (55.0 | ) | 0.1 | 0.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Baby carriages, toys, games and sporting goods |
294 | 325 | 283 | 258 | 263 | 1.7 | 70 | 74 | 4.5 | 0.4 | 0.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basketwork, wickerwork, and other articles of plaiting materials |
63 | 45 | 39 | 36 | 33 | (10.0 | ) | 12 | 12 | (1.2 | ) | 0.1 | 0.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Miscellaneous |
1,018 | 885 | 690 | 752 | 743 | (1.2 | ) | 261 | 210 | (19.5 | ) | 1.4 | 0.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Others |
5,232 | 5,361 | 5,334 | 5,991 | 7,201 | 21.4 | 3,383 | 1,750 | (48.3 | ) | 7.0 | 5.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Manufacturing |
61,053 | 64,651 | 59,870 | 58,386 | 67,594 | 15.8 | 21,847 | 23,506 | 7.6 | 81.7 | 78.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Special transactions |
1,265 | 1,400 | 1,541 | 1,523 | 1,442 | 8.2 | 427 | 479 | 12.1 | 1.7 | 1.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total exports |
74,693 | 79,574 | 73,617 | 73,269 | 84,480 | 15.2 | 26,927 | 29,931 | 11.2 | 100.0 | 100.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sources: Philippine Statistics Authority; Bangko Sentral.
Notes:
| (1) | Preliminary data. |
| x | Growth rate is more than 1,000%. |
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The Republic aims to diversify its export markets and increase its exports to other countries, particularly ASEAN countries. The Republic is a party to the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, which provides for reduced tariffs among ASEAN nations, as well as plans for intra-regional investments, industrial linkages and banking and financial integration. Under ASEAN, the Philippines has preferential trade agreements with China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, South Korea, and Australia and New Zealand.
In 2008, the Republic and Japan entered into the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, covering, among others, trade in goods, trade in services, investments, movement of natural persons, intellectual property, customs procedures, improvement of the business environment, and government procurement. In addition, in 2016, the Republic entered into an agreement with the European Free Trade Association to improve market access for Philippine exporters to the European market. The Republic has also entered into the ASEAN-Hong Kong, China Free Trade Agreement in November 2017, which is aimed at facilitating trade in goods and services in the region. In 2020, the Republic entered into the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (“RCEP”) Agreement with 14 Asia Pacific countries aimed at further lowering trade barriers and securing improved market access for goods and services for businesses. The RCEP entered into force on June 2, 2023.
In September 2023, the Republic and the Republic of Korea signed the Korea-Philippines Free Trade Agreement, covering, among others, trade in goods, trade remedies, rules of origin, customs procedures, trade facilitation, economic and technical cooperation, competition, and legal and institutional matters. The free trade agreement between the Republic and South Korea entered into force on December 31, 2024.
In March 2024, the Republic and the European Union announced the resumption of negotiations for a free trade agreement. As of March 2026, five rounds of negotiations have been completed, with chapters on transparency, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, anti-fraud, sustainable food systems, good regulatory practices, trade and sustainable development, and mutual administrative assistance substantially concluded.
In 2025, the Republic concluded negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (“CEPA”) with the United Arab Emirates, the Republic’s first trade agreement with a Middle Eastern state. The Republic is also pursuing a CEPA with Chile, which would be its first free trade agreement with a Latin American country. In addition, on December 5, 2024, Canada and the Republic announced exploratory discussions for a potential bilateral free trade agreement, and Canada tabled a Notice of Intent to enter into negotiations on November 5, 2025.
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The following table sets out the Republic’s exports of goods by destination, as reported by the PSA.
| Export of Goods by Destination | ||||||||||||||||
| Country/Region |
2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | ||||||||||||
| ($ millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| North America(1) |
10,971 | 13,053 | 14,562 | 13,037 | ||||||||||||
| United States |
10,018 | 11,852 | 13,072 | 11,548 | ||||||||||||
| Europe(2) |
7,584 | 9,315 | 10,006 | 9,609 | ||||||||||||
| European Union(3) |
6,536 | 8,062 | 8,709 | 8,377 | ||||||||||||
| Asia(4) |
45,629 | 50,972 | 53,560 | 49,556 | ||||||||||||
| Japan |
10,034 | 10,739 | 11,123 | 10,456 | ||||||||||||
| People’s Republic of China |
9,830 | 11,562 | 10,980 | 10,925 | ||||||||||||
| Hong Kong |
9,226 | 9,932 | 10,364 | 8,844 | ||||||||||||
| South Korea |
2,855 | 2,576 | 3,125 | 3,534 | ||||||||||||
| Singapore |
3,775 | 4,196 | 4,915 | 3,528 | ||||||||||||
| Taiwan |
2,121 | 2,526 | 2,983 | 2,638 | ||||||||||||
| Southeast Asia(5) |
6,469 | 7,962 | 8,563 | 7,692 | ||||||||||||
| Oceania(6) |
463 | 632 | 690 | 684 | ||||||||||||
| Middle East(7) |
629 | 570 | 642 | 715 | ||||||||||||
| Others(8) |
569 | 721 | 757 | 731 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Total |
65,215 | 74,693 | 79,574 | 73,617 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Sources: Philippine Statistics Authority; Bangko Sentral.
Notes:
| (1) | Includes the United States, Canada, and others. |
| (2) | Includes the European Union, Switzerland, the Russian Federation, and others. |
| (3) | Includes Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Federal Republic of Germany, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Romania. |
| (4) | Includes Japan, the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Bangladesh. Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, and others. |
| (5) | Includes only Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar and Laos. |
| (6) | Includes Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Island, and others. |
| (7) | Includes Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (including Abu Dhabi), and others. |
| (8) | Includes countries in Central America, South America (including Brazil), Africa, and others. |
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| Export of Goods by Destination(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Annual | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2025(2) | Growth Rate |
||||||||||||||||||
| ($ millions) | (%) | ($ millions) | (%) | (%) | ||||||||||||||||
| Country |
||||||||||||||||||||
| United States of America |
12,144.5 | 16.6 | 13,436.8 | 15.9 | 10.6 | |||||||||||||||
| Hong Kong |
9,605.3 | 13.1 | 12,323.7 | 14.6 | 28.3 | |||||||||||||||
| Japan |
10,330.4 | 14.1 | 11,566.5 | 13.7 | 12.0 | |||||||||||||||
| People’s Republic of China |
9,444.7 | 12.9 | 9,297.6 | 11.0 | (1.6 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Singapore |
2,942.6 | 4.0 | 3,527.3 | 4.2 | 19.9 | |||||||||||||||
| Netherlands |
2,867.9 | 3.9 | 3,596.3 | 4.3 | 25.4 | |||||||||||||||
| Republic of China (Taiwan) |
2,689.1 | 3.7 | 3,283.9 | 3.9 | 22.1 | |||||||||||||||
| Germany |
2,458.2 | 3.4 | 3,354.8 | 4.0 | 36.5 | |||||||||||||||
| Republic of Korea |
3,570.3 | 4.9 | 3,291.0 | 3.9 | (7.8 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Thailand |
2,956.1 | 4.0 | 2,901.7 | 3.4 | (1.8 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Malaysia |
2,226.5 | 3.0 | 2,690.3 | 3.2 | 20.8 | |||||||||||||||
| Vietnam |
1,657.6 | 2.3 | 1,526.2 | 1.8 | (7.9 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Switzerland |
612.4 | 0.8 | 768.1 | 0.9 | 25.4 | |||||||||||||||
| India |
1,097.0 | 1.5 | 1,467.2 | 1.7 | 33.7 | |||||||||||||||
| Mexico |
881.5 | 1.2 | 1,143.0 | 1.4 | 29.7 | |||||||||||||||
| Indonesia |
1,052.2 | 1.4 | 965.0 | 1.1 | (8.3 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Australia |
547.3 | 0.7 | 1,718.7 | 2.0 | 214.0 | |||||||||||||||
| Canada |
550.6 | 0.8 | 1,306.0 | 1.5 | 137.2 | |||||||||||||||
| United Arab Emirates |
390.4 | 0.5 | 462.5 | 0.5 | 18.5 | |||||||||||||||
| Poland |
256.6 | 0.4 | 342.9 | 0.4 | 33.6 | |||||||||||||||
| Others |
4,987.3 | 6.8 | 5,435.8 | 6.4 | 9.0 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Total |
73,268.7 | 100.0 | 84,405.4 | 100.0 | 15.2 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Sources: Philippine Statistics Authority.
Notes:
| (1) | Beginning September 1, 2024, the BSP will only publish BSP generated statistics, except for certain major indicators. As such, previously published selected non-BSP-produced statistics, such as those from other government agencies, will no longer be published by the BSP. |
| (2) | Preliminary data. |
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| Export of Goods by Destination(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| January – April | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025(2) | 2026(2) | Growth Rate |
||||||||||||||||||
| ($ millions) | (%) | ($ millions) | (%) | (%) | ||||||||||||||||
| Country |
||||||||||||||||||||
| United States of America |
4,274.8 | 15.9 | 5,308.0 | 17.7 | 24.2 | |||||||||||||||
| People’s Republic of China |
2,790.1 | 10.4 | 3,257.7 | 10.9 | 16.8 | |||||||||||||||
| Japan |
3,794.1 | 14.1 | 3,758.6 | 12.6 | (0.9 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Hong Kong |
3,537.0 | 13.1 | 4,516.0 | 15.1 | 27.7 | |||||||||||||||
| Singapore |
1,058.8 | 3.9 | 1,257.1 | 4.2 | 18.7 | |||||||||||||||
| Netherlands |
1,157.7 | 4.3 | 1,256.6 | 4.2 | 8.5 | |||||||||||||||
| Republic of Korea |
1,007.3 | 3.7 | 1,305.6 | 4.4 | 29.6 | |||||||||||||||
| Malaysia |
854.8 | 3.2 | 1,046.0 | 3.5 | 22.4 | |||||||||||||||
| Germany |
1,022.9 | 3.8 | 1,234.5 | 4.1 | 20.7 | |||||||||||||||
| Republic of China (Taiwan) |
946.7 | 3.5 | 1,260.4 | 4.2 | 33.1 | |||||||||||||||
| Thailand |
922.8 | 3.4 | 936.8 | 3.1 | 1.5 | |||||||||||||||
| Indonesia |
245.8 | 0.9 | 400.3 | 1.3 | 62.8 | |||||||||||||||
| India |
554.2 | 2.1 | 445.0 | 1.5 | (19.7 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Mexico |
332.1 | 1.2 | 403.7 | 1.3 | 21.6 | |||||||||||||||
| Vietnam |
571.6 | 2.1 | 486.8 | 1.6 | (14.8 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Switzerland |
203.9 | 0.8 | 346.2 | 1.2 | 69.8 | |||||||||||||||
| Canada |
660.1 | 2.5 | 235.3 | 0.8 | (64.4 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Italy |
99.4 | 0.4 | 150.0 | 0.5 | 50.9 | |||||||||||||||
| Czech Republic (Czechoslovakia) |
92.6 | 0.3 | 187.6 | 0.6 | 102.7 | |||||||||||||||
| Australia |
984.3 | 3.7 | 191.4 | 0.6 | (80.6 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Others |
1,815.7 | 6.7 | 1,947.3 | 6.5 | 7.2 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Total |
26,926.8 | 100.0 | 29,930.9 | 100.0 | 11.2 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Sources: Philippine Statistics Authority.
Notes:
| (1) | Beginning September 1, 2024, the BSP will only publish BSP generated statistics, except for certain major indicators. As such, previously published selected non-BSP-produced statistics, such as those from other government agencies, will no longer be published by the BSP. |
| (2) | Preliminary data. |
In 2021, according to PSA data, total exports of goods increased by 14.5% to $74.7 billion, from the $65.2 billion recorded in 2020. This was primarily a result of the relative easing of COVID-19 containment measures in effect during most of the period, which resulted in a 13.5% increase in exports of manufactured goods from $53.8 billion in 2020 to $61.1 billion in 2021, and a 32.3% increase in the exports of mineral products from $5.1 billion in 2020 to $6.7 billion in 2021. The 10.2% increase in exports of agricultural products from $4.8 billion in 2020 to $5.3 billion in 2021 also contributed to the increase in total export of goods.
In 2022, according to PSA data, total exports of goods increased by 6.5% to $79.6 billion, from the $74.7 billion recorded in 2021. This was primarily a result of the relative easing of COVID-19 containment measures in effect during most of the period, which resulted in a 5.9% increase in exports of manufactured goods from $61.1 billion in 2021 to $64.7 billion in 2022, a 11.8% increase in the export of total agricultural based products from $5.3 billion in 2021 to $5.9 billion in 2022, and an 8.1% increase in the export of mineral products from $6.7 billion in 2021 to $7.3 billion in 2022.
In 2023, according to PSA data, total exports of goods decreased by 7.5% to $73.6 billion, from the $79.6 billion recorded in 2022. This was primarily a result of lower commodity prices against the backdrop of
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slower global economic growth, which resulted in an 18.7% decrease in exports of total agricultural based products from $5.9 billion in 2022 to $4.8 billion in 2023, a 7.4% decrease in the export of manufactured goods from $64.7 billion in 2022 to $59.9 billion in 2023, and a 1.7% decrease in the export of mineral products from $7.3 billion in 2022 to $7.1 billion in 2023.
In 2024, according to PSA data, total exports of goods decreased by 0.5% to $73.3 billion, from the $73.6 billion recorded in 2023. This was primarily a result of a decrease in exports of manufactured goods, which comprised a 2.5% decrease in the export of manufactured goods from $59.9 billion in 2023 to $58.4 billion in 2024.
In 2025, according to preliminary PSA data, total exports of goods increased by 15.2% to $84.4 billion, from the $73.3 billion recorded in 2024. This was primarily a result of a 15.8% increase in exports of manufactured goods from $58.4 billion in 2024 to $67.6 billion in 2025, a 24.8% increase in the export of total agricultural based products from $6.0 billion in 2024 to $7.4 billion in 2025, and a 1.6% increase in the export of mineral products from $7.0 billion in 2024 to $7.1 billion in 2025.
In the first four months of 2026, according to preliminary PSA data, total exports of goods increased by 11.2% to $29.9 billion, from the $26.9 billion recorded in the first four months of 2025. This was primarily a result of a 46.3% increase in exports of mineral products from $2.1 billion in the first four months of 2025 to $3.0 billion in the first four months of 2026, a 13.6% increase in the export of total agricultural based products from $2.4 billion in the first four months of 2025 to $2.7 billion in the first four months of 2026, and a 7.6% increase in exports of manufactured goods from $21.8 billion in the first four months of 2025 to $23.5 billion in the first four months of 2026.
Imports of Goods
The following table sets out the sources of the Philippines’ imports of goods by commodity group.
| Imports by Major Commodity Groups | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Annual | Growth Rates |
January - April | Growth Rates |
Percentage of Total Imports |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commodities |
2021 | 2022 | 2023(1) | 2024(1) | 2025(2) | 2025(2) | 2025(2) | 2026(2) | 2025(2) | 2021 | 2026(2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (%) | (%) | (%) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital goods |
35,461 | 37,917 | 35,717 | 35,729 | 40,452 | 13.2 | 12,609 | 14,861 | 17.9 | 30.3 | 30.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Raw materials and Intermediate goods |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unprocessed raw materials |
4,400 | 6,078 | 6,848 | 6,619 | 4,555 | (31.2 | ) | 1,715 | 1,520 | (11.4 | ) | 3.8 | 3.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Semi-processed raw materials |
43,583 | 46,250 | 38,612 | 39,852 | 43,652 | 9.5 | 14,197 | 16,648 | 17.3 | 37.3 | 33.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total raw materials and intermediate goods |
47,984 | 52,328 | 45,461 | 46,471 | 48,207 | 3.7 | 15,912 | 18,168 | 14.2 | 41.1 | 36.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mineral fuels and lubricants |
13,625 | 23,795 | 20,110 | 19,064 | 16,690 | (12.5 | ) | 5,749 | 7,339 | 27.7 | 11.7 | 14.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer goods |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Durable |
9,027 | 10,617 | 12,432 | 12,421 | 13,886 | 11.8 | 4,417 | 4,125 | (6.6 | ) | 7.7 | 8.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-durable |
9,842 | 11,758 | 12,009 | 13,402 | 13,820 | 3.1 | 4,524 | 4,521 | (0.1 | ) | 8.4 | 9.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total consumer goods |
18,868 | 22,375 | 24,441 | 25,823 | 27,706 | 7.3 | 8,941 | 8,647 | (3.3 | ) | 16.1 | 17.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Special transactions |
947 | 805 | 479 | 510 | 517 | 1.4 | 154 | 200 | 29.9 | 0.8 | 0.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total imports |
116,885 | 137,221 | 126,209 | 127,597 | 133,571 | 4.7 | 43,365 | 49,215 | 13.5 | 100.0 | 100.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Sources: Philippine Statistics Authority; Bangko Sentral.
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Notes:
| (1) | Revised data. |
| (2) | Preliminary data. |
| Imports of Goods by Source/Origin | ||||||||||||||||
| Country/Region |
2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023(1) | ||||||||||||
| ($ millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| North America(2) |
7,555 | 8,749 | 9,809 | 9,678 | ||||||||||||
| United States |
6,922 | 7,751 | 8,917 | 8,418 | ||||||||||||
| Europe(3) |
8,052 | 9,638 | 10,100 | 9,409 | ||||||||||||
| European Union(4) |
6,036 | 7,673 | 7,796 | 7,794 | ||||||||||||
| Asia(5) |
69,460 | 91,244 | 110,782 | 100,550 | ||||||||||||
| Japan |
8,616 | 11,108 | 12,353 | 10,288 | ||||||||||||
| People’s Republic of China |
20,868 | 26,799 | 28,217 | 29,392 | ||||||||||||
| Hong Kong |
2,784 | 3,268 | 3,102 | 2,011 | ||||||||||||
| South Korea |
6,895 | 9,351 | 12,321 | 8,488 | ||||||||||||
| Singapore |
5,622 | 6,948 | 8,118 | 7,095 | ||||||||||||
| Taiwan |
4,683 | 5,763 | 6,800 | 4,686 | ||||||||||||
| Southeast Asia(6) |
18,153 | 25,483 | 32,109 | 30,581 | ||||||||||||
| Oceania(7) |
1,443 | 2,310 | 3,599 | 4,225 | ||||||||||||
| Middle East(8) |
1,867 | 3,965 | 5,344 | 5,545 | ||||||||||||
| Others(9) |
1,592 | 1,974 | 3,391 | 2,348 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Total |
89,812 | 116,885 | 137,221 | 126,209 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Sources: Philippine Statistics Authority; Bangko Sentral.
Note:
| (1) | Preliminary data. |
| (2) | Includes the United States, Canada, and others. |
| (3) | Includes the European Union, Switzerland, the Russian Federation, and others. |
| (4) | Includes Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Federal Republic of Germany, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Romania. |
| (5) | Includes Japan, the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Bangladesh. Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, and others. |
| (6) | Includes only Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar and Laos. |
| (7) | Includes Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Island, and others. |
| (8) | Includes Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (including Abu Dhabi), and others. |
| (9) | Includes countries in Central America, South America (including Brazil), Africa, and others. |
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Table of Contents
| Import of Goods by Source/Origin(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Annual | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2025(2) | Growth Rate |
||||||||||||||||||
| ($ millions) | (%) | ($ millions) | (%) | (%) | ||||||||||||||||
| Country |
||||||||||||||||||||
| People’s Republic of China |
32,832.7 | 25.7 | 38,220.6 | 28.6 | 16.4 | |||||||||||||||
| Republic of Korea |
9,633.0 | 7.5 | 10,576.4 | 7.9 | 9.8 | |||||||||||||||
| Indonesia |
10,640.2 | 8.3 | 10,164.1 | 7.6 | (4.5 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Japan |
10,108.8 | 7.9 | 10,515.1 | 7.9 | 4.0 | |||||||||||||||
| United States of America |
8,167.1 | 6.4 | 8,109.2 | 6.1 | (0.7 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Thailand |
7,521.9 | 5.9 | 7,547.5 | 5.7 | 0.3 | |||||||||||||||
| Singapore |
5,785.2 | 4.5 | 5,731.4 | 4.3 | (0.9 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Malaysia |
5,965.5 | 4.7 | 5,601.6 | 4.2 | (6.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Republic of China (Taiwan) |
3,978.2 | 3.1 | 4,719.7 | 3.5 | 18.6 | |||||||||||||||
| Vietnam |
5,468.5 | 4.3 | 5,618.3 | 4.2 | 2.7 | |||||||||||||||
| France |
1,137.7 | 0.9 | 1,550.4 | 1.2 | 36.3 | |||||||||||||||
| Saudi Arabia |
1,999.5 | 1.6 | 1,771.6 | 1.3 | (11.4 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Germany |
2,159.4 | 1.7 | 2,172.2 | 1.6 | 0.6 | |||||||||||||||
| Brazil |
2,030.2 | 1.6 | 1,801.6 | 1.3 | (11.3 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| India |
2,232.6 | 1.7 | 2,073.2 | 1.6 | (7.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Australia |
2,740.7 | 2.1 | 2,353.5 | 1.8 | (14.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| United Arab Emirates |
1,442.6 | 1.1 | 1,469.6 | 1.1 | 1.9 | |||||||||||||||
| Hong Kong |
2,044.0 | 1.6 | 1,886.8 | 1.4 | (7.7 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Italy |
990.5 | 0.8 | 1,063.7 | 0.8 | 7.4 | |||||||||||||||
| Bulgaria |
44.9 | 0.0 | 103.6 | 0.1 | 130.8 | |||||||||||||||
| Others |
10,673.3 | 8.4 | 10,521.0 | 7.9 | (1.4 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Total |
127,596.6 | 100.0 | 133,571.1 | 100.0 | 4.7 | |||||||||||||||
Sources: Philippine Statistics Authority.
Notes:
| (1) | Beginning September 1, 2024, the BSP will only publish BSP generated statistics, except for certain major indicators. As such, previously published selected non-BSP-produced statistics, such as those from other government agencies, will no longer be published by the BSP. |
| (2) | Preliminary data. |
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| Import of Goods by Source/Origin(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| January – April | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2026(2) | Growth Rate |
||||||||||||||||||
| ($ millions) | (%) | ($ millions) | (%) | (%) | ||||||||||||||||
| Country |
||||||||||||||||||||
| People’s Republic of China |
12,169.7 | 28.1 | 14,156.5 | 28.8 | 16.3 | |||||||||||||||
| Republic of Korea |
3,231.1 | 7.5 | 5,698.3 | 11.6 | 76.4 | |||||||||||||||
| Japan |
3,637.2 | 8.4 | 4,030.3 | 8.2 | 10.8 | |||||||||||||||
| Malaysia |
1,855.5 | 4.3 | 2,447.8 | 5.0 | 31.9 | |||||||||||||||
| Indonesia |
3,431.6 | 7.9 | 3,294.5 | 6.7 | (4.0 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Singapore |
1,850.5 | 4.3 | 2,242.4 | 4.6 | 21.2 | |||||||||||||||
| United States of America |
2,622.7 | 6.0 | 2,875.9 | 5.8 | 9.7 | |||||||||||||||
| Vietnam |
1,951.8 | 4.5 | 1,937.5 | 3.9 | (0.7 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Thailand |
2,475.0 | 5.7 | 2,125.5 | 4.3 | (14.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Republic of China (Taiwan) |
1,305.6 | 3.0 | 1,467.7 | 3.0 | 12.4 | |||||||||||||||
| United Arab Emirates |
524.9 | 1.2 | 575.6 | 1.2 | 9.6 | |||||||||||||||
| Egypt Arab Republic |
8.9 | 0.0 | 278.1 | 0.6 | b | |||||||||||||||
| India |
695.0 | 1.6 | 769.0 | 1.6 | 10.6 | |||||||||||||||
| Australia |
929.9 | 2.1 | 829.6 | 1.7 | (10.8 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Germany |
611.9 | 1.4 | 788.6 | 1.6 | 28.9 | |||||||||||||||
| Hong Kong |
619.7 | 1.4 | 631.2 | 1.3 | 1.9 | |||||||||||||||
| Brazil |
462.8 | 1.1 | 655.6 | 1.3 | 41.7 | |||||||||||||||
| Canada |
328.2 | 0.8 | 329.7 | 0.7 | 0.5 | |||||||||||||||
| Italy |
340.2 | 0.8 | 397.3 | 0.8 | 16.8 | |||||||||||||||
| France |
382.0 | 0.9 | 424.4 | 0.9 | 11.1 | |||||||||||||||
| Others |
3,930.8 | 9.1 | 3,259.7 | 6.6 | (17.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Total |
43,365.0 | 100.0 | 49,215.1 | 100.0 | 13.5 | |||||||||||||||
Sources: Philippine Statistics Authority.
Notes:
| (1) | Beginning September 1, 2024, the BSP will only publish BSP generated statistics, except for certain major indicators. As such, previously published selected non-BSP-produced statistics, such as those from other government agencies, will no longer be published by the BSP. |
| (2) | Preliminary data. |
In 2021, according to PSA data, total imports of goods increased by 30.1% to $116.9 billion, from the $89.8 billion recorded in 2020. This was primarily a result of the relative easing of COVID-19 containment measures in effect during most of the period, which resulted in increases in capital goods, raw materials and intermediate goods, mineral fuels and lubricants, and consumer goods by 19.0%, 32.6%, 79.3% and 22.5% to $35.5 billion, $48.0 billion, $13.6 billion, and $18.9 billion in 2021, respectively, from $29.8 billion, $36.2 billion, $7.6 billion, and $15.4 billion in 2020, respectively.
In 2022, according to PSA data, total imports of goods increased by 17.4% to $137.2 billion, from the $116.9 billion recorded in 2021. This was primarily a result of the relative easing of COVID-19 containment measures in effect during most of the period, which resulted in increases in imports of capital goods, mineral fuels and lubricants, raw materials and intermediate goods and consumer goods by 6.9%, 74.6%, 9.1% and 18.6% to $37.9 billion, $23.8 billion, $52.3 billion and $22.4 billion in 2022, respectively, from $35.5 billion, $13.6 billion, $48.0 billion and $18.9 billion in 2021, respectively.
In 2023, according to revised PSA data, total imports of goods decreased by 8.0% to $126.2 billion, from the $137.2 billion recorded in 2022. This was primarily a result of the decline in commodity prices, which
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resulted in decreases in semi-processed raw materials, mineral fuels and lubricants, and raw materials and intermediate goods by 16.5%, 15.5% and 13.1% to $38.6 billion, $20.1 billion and $45.5 billion in 2023, respectively, from $46.3 billion, $23.8 billion and $52.3 billion in 2022, respectively. However, this was offset by a 9.2% increase in the import of consumer goods from $22.4 billion in 2022 to $24.4 billion in 2023.
In 2024, according to preliminary PSA data, total imports of goods increased by 1.1% to $127.6 billion, from the $126.2 billion recorded in 2023. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in imports of raw materials and intermediate goods as well as consumer goods. Imports of raw materials and intermediate goods increased by 2.2% to $46.5 billion in 2024, compared to the $45.5 billion in 2023. Imports of consumer goods increased by 5.7% to $25.8 billion in 2024, compared to the $24.4 billion in 2023. These increases were offset by a 5.2% decrease in mineral fuels and lubricants to $19.1 billion in 2024, compared to $20.1 billion in 2023.
In 2025, according to preliminary PSA data, total imports of goods increased by 4.7% to $133.6 billion, from the $127.6 billion recorded in 2024. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in capital goods and consumer goods. Particularly, imports of capital goods increased by 13.2% to $40.5 billion in 2025, compared to the $35.7 billion in 2024; imports of consumer goods increased by 7.3% to $27.7 billion in 2025, compared to the $25.8 billion in 2024; and imports of raw materials and intermediate goods increased by 3.7% to $48.2 billion in 2025, compared to the $46.5 billion in 2024. These increases were partially offset by a 12.5% decrease in mineral fuels and lubricants to $16.7 billion in 2025, compared to $19.1 billion in 2024.
In the first four months of 2026, according to preliminary PSA data, total imports of goods increased by 13.5% to $49.2 billion, from the $43.4 billion recorded in the first four months of 2025. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in imports of raw materials and intermediate goods as well as capital goods. Particularly, imports of mineral fuels and lubricants increased by 27.7% to $7.3 billion in the first four months of 2026, compared to the $5.7 billion in the first four months of 2025; imports of capital goods increased by 17.9% to $14.9 billion in the first four months of 2026, compared to the $12.6 billion in the first four months of 2025; and imports of raw materials and intermediate goods increased by 14.2% to $18.2 billion in the first four months of 2026, compared to the $15.9 billion in the first four months of 2025. These increases were partially offset by a 3.3% decrease in consumer goods to $8.6 billion in the first four months of 2026, compared to $8.9 billion in the first four months of 2025.
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Services
The following table sets out the Republic’s services by sector for the periods indicated.
| Service Trade | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023(1) | 2024(1) | 2025(2) | ||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total services |
14,039 | 15,895 | 18,183 | 13,872 | 13,246 | |||||||||||||||
| Exports |
33,570 | 41,122 | 48,332 | 50,671 | 51,486 | |||||||||||||||
| Imports |
19,531 | 25,226 | 30,149 | 36,799 | 38,240 | |||||||||||||||
| Manufacturing services on physical inputs owned by others |
5,033 | 5,443 | 4,920 | 4,912 | 4,909 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Exports |
5,033 | 5,443 | 4,920 | 4,912 | 4,909 | |||||||||||||||
| Imports |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||||||||
| Maintenance and repair services |
(8 | ) | (70 | ) | (153 | ) | (201 | ) | (13 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Exports |
42 | 112 | 100 | 108 | 131 | |||||||||||||||
| Imports |
50 | 181 | 253 | 309 | 144 | |||||||||||||||
| Transport |
(3,493 | ) | (3,967 | ) | (4,380 | ) | (4,500 | ) | (4,674 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Exports |
1,568 | 2,688 | 3,063 | 2,768 | 2,692 | |||||||||||||||
| Imports |
5,060 | 6,655 | 7,443 | 7,268 | 7,366 | |||||||||||||||
| of which: Passenger |
163 | 520 | 314 | 218 | 43 | |||||||||||||||
| Exports |
353 | 1,065 | 1,501 | 1,481 | 1,376 | |||||||||||||||
| Imports |
190 | 544 | 1,187 | 1,263 | 1,334 | |||||||||||||||
| of which: Freight |
(3,989 | ) | (4,986 | ) | (4,982 | ) | (4,851 | ) | (4,744 | ) | ||||||||||
| Exports |
672 | 760 | 629 | 613 | 692 | |||||||||||||||
| Imports |
4,661 | 5,746 | 5,611 | 5,464 | 5,436 | |||||||||||||||
| of which: Other |
333 | 498 | 287 | 133 | 27 | |||||||||||||||
| Exports |
542 | 863 | 932 | 674 | 623 | |||||||||||||||
| Imports |
209 | 364 | 645 | 542 | 596 | |||||||||||||||
| Travel |
(2,661 | ) | (744 | ) | 2,465 | (3,465 | ) | (6,365 | ) | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Exports |
600 | 4,174 | 9,118 | 9,318 | 8,719 | |||||||||||||||
| Imports |
3,262 | 4,918 | 6,653 | 12,784 | 15,084 | |||||||||||||||
| Construction services |
41 | 16 | (300 | ) | (134 | ) | (92 | ) | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Exports |
88 | 74 | 125 | 45 | 56 | |||||||||||||||
| Imports |
47 | 57 | 425 | 178 | 148 | |||||||||||||||
| Insurance and pension services |
(1,749 | ) | (1,893 | ) | (1,904 | ) | (1,909 | ) | (2,050 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Exports |
101 | 100 | 86 | 121 | 80 | |||||||||||||||
| Imports |
1,850 | 1,993 | 1,989 | 2,030 | 2,130 | |||||||||||||||
| Financial services |
(211 | ) | (752 | ) | (1,330 | ) | (1,562 | ) | (1,458 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Exports |
194 | 244 | 304 | 387 | 473 | |||||||||||||||
| Imports |
405 | 996 | 1,633 | 1,949 | 1,931 | |||||||||||||||
| Charges for the use of intellectual property |
(590 | ) | (539 | ) | (421 | ) | (415 | ) | (358 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Exports |
33 | 12 | 30 | 28 | 24 | |||||||||||||||
| Imports |
623 | 551 | 452 | 443 | 382 | |||||||||||||||
| Telecommunications, computer, and information services |
4,179 | 4,591 | 5,163 | 5,931 | 6,641 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Exports |
6,300 | 6,673 | 7,098 | 8,085 | 8,828 | |||||||||||||||
| Imports |
2,121 | 2,082 | 1,935 | 2,155 | 2,186 | |||||||||||||||
| Other business services |
13,986 | 14,188 | 14,413 | 15,553 | 17,094 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Exports |
19,478 | 21,456 | 23,293 | 24,666 | 25,368 | |||||||||||||||
| Imports |
5,492 | 7,268 | 8,881 | 9,113 | 8,274 | |||||||||||||||
| Personal, cultural and recreational services |
(103 | ) | (28 | ) | 42 | 62 | 49 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Exports |
112 | 127 | 169 | 203 | 176 | |||||||||||||||
| Imports |
214 | 155 | 126 | 141 | 127 | |||||||||||||||
| Government services |
(385 | ) | (351 | ) | (332 | ) | (399 | ) | (436 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Exports |
22 | 21 | 26 | 29 | 32 | |||||||||||||||
| Imports |
407 | 372 | 358 | 428 | 468 | |||||||||||||||
Source: Bangko Sentral.
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Note:
| (1) | Revised data. |
| (2) | Preliminary data. |
In 2021, the trade-in-services account showed a 1.2% growth from a $13.9 billion surplus recorded in 2020 to a $14.0 billion surplus. This was primarily a result of the relative easing of COV1D-19 containment measures during most of the period, which resulted in a 9.1% increase in the surplus from other business services, from $12.8 billion in 2020 to $14.0 billion in 2021, and a 21.2% increase in manufacturing services on physical inputs, from $4.2 billion in 2020 to $5.0 billion in 2021.
In 2022, the trade-in-services account showed a 13.2% growth from a $14.0 billion surplus recorded in 2021 to a $15.9 billion surplus. This was primarily a result of the 9.9% increase in the surplus from telecommunications, computer and information services, from $4.2 billion in 2021 to $4.6 billion in 2022 and a 72.0% decrease in deficit for travel from $2.7 billion in 2021 to $744 million in 2022. However, this decrease in deficit was offset by a 13.6% and 8.2% increase in the deficit in transport and insurance and pension services, which grew from $3.5 billion and $1.7 billion in 2021 to $4.0 billion and $1.9 billion in 2022, respectively.
In 2023, according to revised data, the trade-in-services account showed a 14.4% growth from a $15.9 billion surplus in 2022 to an $18.2 billion surplus. The higher surplus was mainly attributable to a 431.2% change in travel, from a deficit of $0.7 billion in 2022 to a surplus of $2.5 billion in 2023 and a 12.4% increase in surplus for telecommunications, computer, and information services from $4.6 billion in 2022 to $5.2 billion in 2023.
In 2024, according to revised data, the trade-in-services account showed a 23.7% decline from an $18.2 billion surplus in 2023 to a $13.9 billion surplus. This was primarily a result of a 240.6% decline in the surplus from travel, from a surplus of $2.5 billion in 2023 to a deficit of $3.5 billion in 2024. This was also the result of a 17.5% increase in deficit for financial services from a deficit of $1.3 billion in 2023 to $1.6 billion in 2024.
In 2025, according to preliminary data, the trade-in-services account showed a 4.5% decline from a $13.9 billion surplus in 2024 to a $13.2 billion surplus. The lower surplus was primarily attributable to an 83.7% increase in the travel deficit, from a deficit of $3.5 billion in 2024 to a deficit of $6.4 billion in 2025. This was partially offset by a 12.0% increase in the surplus from telecommunications, computer, and information services from $5.9 billion in 2024 to $6.6 billion in 2025, and a 9.9% increase in the surplus from other business services from $15.6 billion in 2024 to $17.1 billion in 2025.
Primary Income
The following table sets out the Republic’s primary income for the periods indicated.
| Primary Income | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023(1) | 2024(1) | 2025(2) | ||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Primary Income |
3,323 | 4,949 | 4,342 | 4,739 | 4,451 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Receipts |
11,832 | 13,024 | 16,367 | 17,553 | 17,682 | |||||||||||||||
| Payments |
8,509 | 8,076 | 12,025 | 12,814 | 12,777 | |||||||||||||||
| Compensation of employees |
8,662 | 8,878 | 9,070 | 9,326 | 9,619 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Receipts |
8,825 | 9,067 | 9,289 | 9,474 | 9,784 | |||||||||||||||
| Payments |
163 | 189 | 219 | 148 | 165 | |||||||||||||||
| Investment income |
(5,339 | ) | (3,930 | ) | (4,728 | ) | (4,587 | ) | (5,168 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
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Table of Contents
| Primary Income | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023(1) | 2024(1) | 2025(2) | ||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Receipts |
3,007 | 3,957 | 7,078 | 8,080 | 7,897 | |||||||||||||||
| Payments |
8,346 | 7,887 | 11,806 | 12,666 | 12,630 | |||||||||||||||
| Direct investment |
(4,123 | ) | (3,136 | ) | (4,087 | ) | (3,469 | ) | (4,054 | ) | ||||||||||
| Receipts |
872 | 1,280 | 2,945 | 3,127 | 2,901 | |||||||||||||||
| Payments |
4,995 | 4,416 | 7,032 | 6,596 | 6,955 | |||||||||||||||
| Income on equity and investment fund |
(4,647 | ) | (2,904 | ) | (3,837 | ) | (3,000 | ) | (3,330 | ) | ||||||||||
| Receipts |
234 | 57 | 257 | 237 | 500 | |||||||||||||||
| Payments |
4,881 | 2,961 | 4,094 | 3,237 | 3,830 | |||||||||||||||
| Dividends and withdrawals from income of quasi-corporations |
(3,530 | ) | (1,494 | ) | (2,414 | ) | (1,653 | ) | (1,942 | ) | ||||||||||
| Receipts |
253 | 181 | 368 | 414 | 689 | |||||||||||||||
| Payments |
3,784 | 1,675 | 2,783 | 2,067 | 2,631 | |||||||||||||||
| Reinvested earnings |
(1,117 | ) | (1,410 | ) | (1,423 | ) | (1,347 | ) | (1,388 | ) | ||||||||||
| Receipts |
(20 | (125 | ) | (112 | ) | (177 | ) | (189 | ) | |||||||||||
| Payments |
1,097 | 1,286 | 1,311 | 1,170 | 1,198 | |||||||||||||||
| Interest |
524 | (232 | (250 | ) | (469 | ) | (724 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Receipts |
639 | 1,223 | 2,688 | 2,890 | 2,401 | |||||||||||||||
| Payments |
115 | 1,455 | 2,938 | 3,359 | 3,125 | |||||||||||||||
| Portfolio investment |
(2,264 | ) | (2,393 | ) | (2,102 | ) | (2,926 | ) | (3,006 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Receipts |
693 | 389 | 425 | 433 | 513 | |||||||||||||||
| Payments |
2,957 | 2,782 | 2,526 | 3,359 | 3,519 | |||||||||||||||
| Income on equity and investment fund shares |
(846 | ) | (901 | ) | (805 | ) | (1,460 | ) | (1,373 | ) | ||||||||||
| Receipts |
6 | 1 | 12 | 6 | 6 | |||||||||||||||
| Payments |
852 | 902 | 817 | 1,466 | 1,379 | |||||||||||||||
| Dividends on equity excluding investment fund shares |
(846 | ) | (901 | ) | (805 | ) | (1,460 | ) | (1,373 | ) | ||||||||||
| Receipts |
6 | 1 | 12 | 6 | 6 | |||||||||||||||
| Payments |
852 | 902 | 817 | 1,466 | 1,466 | |||||||||||||||
| Interest |
(1,418 | ) | (1,492 | ) | (1,297 | ) | (1,466 | ) | (1,633 | ) | ||||||||||
| Receipts |
687 | 388 | 413 | 426 | 507 | |||||||||||||||
| Payments |
2,105 | 1,880 | 1,710 | 1,893 | 2,139 | |||||||||||||||
| Short term |
(385 | ) | (276 | ) | (63 | ) | (14 | ) | 47 | |||||||||||
| Receipts |
133 | 12 | 10 | 0 | 60 | |||||||||||||||
| Payments |
518 | 288 | 73 | 14 | 14 | |||||||||||||||
| Long term |
(1,033 | ) | (1,216 | ) | (1,234 | ) | (1,452 | ) | (1,680 | ) | ||||||||||
| Receipts |
555 | 376 | 403 | 426 | 446 | |||||||||||||||
| Payments |
1,587 | 1,592 | 1,637 | 1,879 | 1,853 | |||||||||||||||
| Central Banks |
(12 | ) | (10 | ) | (8 | ) | (8 | ) | (8 | ) | ||||||||||
| Deposit-taking corporation, except the central bank |
(145 | ) | (161 | ) | (135 | ) | (141 | ) | (175 | ) | ||||||||||
| General government |
(1,261 | ) | (1,196 | ) | (1,333 | ) | (1,580 | ) | (1,766 | ) | ||||||||||
| Other sectors |
384 | 151 | 242 | 276 | 287 | |||||||||||||||
| Receipts |
555 | 376 | 403 | 426 | 446 | |||||||||||||||
| Payments |
171 | 226 | 160 | 150 | 159 | |||||||||||||||
| Other investment income |
(258 | ) | (151 | ) | (983 | ) | (1,302 | ) | (1,338 | ) | ||||||||||
| Receipts |
135 | 538 | 1,264 | 1,410 | 1,253 | |||||||||||||||
| Payments |
393 | 689 | 2,247 | 2,711 | 2,592 | |||||||||||||||
| Central banks |
(1 | ) | (28 | ) | (134 | ) | (149 | ) | (115 | ) | ||||||||||
| Receipts |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||||||||
| Payments |
1 | 28 | 134 | 149 | 115 | |||||||||||||||
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| Primary Income | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023(1) | 2024(1) | 2025(2) | ||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Deposit-taking corporation, except the central bank |
60 | 367 | 613 | 609 | 546 | |||||||||||||||
| Receipts |
115 | 447 | 808 | 867 | 754 | |||||||||||||||
| Payments |
55 | 80 | 194 | 258 | 208 | |||||||||||||||
| General government |
(210 | ) | (439 | ) | (1,545 | ) | (1,838 | ) | (1,852 | ) | ||||||||||
| Other sectors |
(107 | ) | (51 | ) | 83 | 75 | 82 | |||||||||||||
| Receipts |
21 | 91 | 456 | 542 | 499 | |||||||||||||||
| Payments |
127 | 142 | 374 | 467 | 417 | |||||||||||||||
Source: Bangko Sentral.
Note:
| (1) | Revised data. |
| (2) | Preliminary data. |
In 2021, the primary income account recorded a surplus of $3.3 billion, a 21.4% decrease from the $4.1 billion surplus recorded in 2020. The lower surplus was primarily the result of a 27.2% increase in payments for income on equity and investment fund shares, from $3.8 billion recorded in 2020 to $4.9 billion recorded in 2021.
In 2022, the primary income account recorded a surplus of $4.9 billion, representing a 48.9% increase from the surplus of $3.3 billion recorded in 2021. The increased surplus was primarily the result of a 26.4% decrease in net payments of investment income from $5.3 billion in 2021 to $3.9 billion in 2022.
In 2023, according to revised data, the primary income account recorded a surplus of $4.4 billion, representing a 10.8% decrease from the surplus of $4.9 billion recorded in 2022. The decreased surplus was primarily the result of a 18.4% increase in net payment of investment income from $3.9 billion in 2022 to $4.6 billion in 2023.
In 2024, according to revised data, the primary income account recorded a surplus of $4.7 billion, representing a 9.1% increase from the surplus of $4.3 billion recorded in 2023. The increased surplus was primarily the result of a 14.2% increase in net receipts from investment income from $7.1 billion in 2023 to $8.1 billion in 2024 and a 2.8% increase in compensation of employees account surplus from $9.1 billion in 2023 to $9.3 billion in 2024.
In 2025, according to preliminary data, the primary income account recorded a surplus of $4.5 billion, representing a 6.1% decrease from the surplus of $4.7 billion recorded in 2024. The decreased surplus was primarily the result of a 12.7% increase in net payments of investment income from $4.6 billion in 2024 to $5.2 billion in 2025. This was partially offset by a 3.1% increase in the compensation of employees account surplus from $9.3 billion in 2024 to $9.6 billion in 2025. The changes mainly reflected higher dividend payments to direct investors and increased interest payments on non-residents’ portfolio investments. On the receipts side, gains were recorded from increased compensation inflows of short-term resident overseas Filipinos (workers mostly sea-based) along with higher dividend earnings from residents’ direct investments abroad and stronger investment income from reserve assets.
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Secondary Income
The following table sets out the Republic’s secondary income for the periods indicated.
| Secondary Income | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023(1) | 2024(1) | 2025(2) | ||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Secondary Income |
29,501 | 30,596 | 31,124 | 31,687 | 32,682 | |||||||||||||||
| Receipts |
30,452 | 31,378 | 32,217 | 32,877 | 33,836 | |||||||||||||||
| Payments |
950 | 781 | 1,092 | 1,190 | 1,154 | |||||||||||||||
| General Government |
720 | 550 | 597 | 516 | 417 | |||||||||||||||
| Receipts |
760 | 590 | 634 | 553 | 453 | |||||||||||||||
| Payments |
39 | 41 | 37 | 36 | 36 | |||||||||||||||
| Financial corporations, nonfinancial corporations, households and non-profit institutions serving households |
28,781 | 30,047 | 30,528 | 31,171 | 32,264 | |||||||||||||||
| Receipts |
29,692 | 30,788 | 31,583 | 32,324 | 33,383 | |||||||||||||||
| Payments |
911 | 741 | 1,055 | 1,153 | 1,118 | |||||||||||||||
| Personal transfers |
27,767 | 28,873 | 29,716 | 30,685 | 31,647 | |||||||||||||||
| Receipts |
27,860 | 28,982 | 29,807 | 30,806 | 31,775 | |||||||||||||||
| Payments |
93 | 109 | 91 | 121 | 128 | |||||||||||||||
| Other current transfers |
1,014 | 1,174 | 812 | 486 | 617 | |||||||||||||||
| Credit |
1,832 | 1,806 | 1,775 | 1,518 | 1,607 | |||||||||||||||
| Debit |
818 | 632 | 964 | 1,032 | 990 | |||||||||||||||
Source: Bangko Sentral.
Note:
| (1) | Revised data. |
| (2) | Preliminary data. |
In 2021, according to preliminary data, the secondary income account recorded a surplus of $29.5 billion, 7.6% higher than the $27.4 billion recorded in 2020. This higher surplus was due mainly to a 5.7% increase in personal transfers, consisting mainly of remittance inflows from non-resident OFWs, from the $26.3 billion recorded in 2020 to $27.8 billion in 2021.
In 2022, the secondary income account recorded a surplus of $30.6 billion, 3.7% higher than the $29.5 billion recorded in 2021. This higher surplus was due mainly to a 4.0% increase in personal transfers, consisting mainly of remittance inflows from non-resident OFWs, from the $27.8 billion recorded in 2021 to $28.9 billion in 2022.
In 2023, the secondary income account recorded a surplus of $31.0 billion, 1.5% higher than the $30.6 billion recorded in 2022. This higher surplus was due mainly to a 2.8% increase in personal transfers, consisting mainly of remittance inflows from non-resident OFWs, from $28.9 billion in 2022 to $29.7 billion in 2023.
In 2024, according to preliminary data, the secondary income account recorded a surplus of $31.7 billion, 1.8% higher than the 31.1 billion recorded in 2023. This higher surplus was due mainly to a 2.1% increase in financial corporations, nonfinancial corporations, households, and non-profit institutions serving households account surplus, from $30.5 billion in 2023 to $31.2 billion in 2024. This is anchored by the steady non-resident overseas Filipino workers’ remittance inflows, which grew by 3.2 percent to US$29.8 billion in 2024 from US$28.9 billion in 2023.
In 2025, according to preliminary data, the secondary income account recorded a surplus of $32.7 billion, 3.1% higher than the $31.7 billion recorded in 2024. This higher surplus was due mainly to a 3.1% increase in
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personal transfers, consisting mainly of remittance inflows from non-resident OFWs, from $30.7 billion in 2024 to $31.6 billion in 2025. This is anchored by the increase in non-resident overseas Filipino workers’ remittance inflows to US$30.8 billion in 2025 from US$29.8 billion in 2024.
Financial Account
The financial account is divided into four categories: direct investments, portfolio investments, financial derivative investments and other investments.
The following table sets out the Republic’s direct investments for the periods indicated.
| Direct Investments | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023(1) | 2024(1) | 2025(2) | ||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total direct investment |
(9,732 | ) | (5,631 | ) | (5,400 | ) | (6,700 | ) | (6,189 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Net acquisition of financial assets |
2,251 | 3,861 | 3,525 | 2,699 | 1,602 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Direct investor in direct investment enterprises |
285 | 563 | 667 | 2,595 | 1,694 | |||||||||||||||
| Placements |
501 | 748 | 787 | 2,786 | 1,863 | |||||||||||||||
| Withdrawals |
216 | 185 | 120 | 191 | 169 | |||||||||||||||
| Reinvestment of earnings |
(20 | ) | (125 | ) | (112 | ) | (177 | ) | (189 | ) | ||||||||||
| Debt instruments |
1,986 | 3,423 | 2,969 | 281 | 98 | |||||||||||||||
| Direct investor in direct investment enterprises |
401 | 101 | 375 | 464 | 749 | |||||||||||||||
| Direct investment enterprises in direct investor |
1,584 | 3,322 | 2,595 | (183 | ) | (651 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Net incurrence of liabilities |
11,983 | 9,492 | 8,925 | 9,398 | 7,791 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Equity and investment fund shares |
4,476 | 3,243 | 2,393 | 2,177 | 2,523 | |||||||||||||||
| Direct investor in direct investment enterprises |
3,379 | 1,957 | 1,081 | 1,008 | 1,324 | |||||||||||||||
| Placements |
3,934 | 2,206 | 2,080 | 2,580 | 1,984 | |||||||||||||||
| Withdrawals |
555 | 249 | 998 | 1,572 | 660 | |||||||||||||||
| Reinvestment of earnings |
1,097 | 1,286 | 1,311 | 1,170 | 1,198 | |||||||||||||||
| Debt instruments |
7,507 | 6,250 | 6,533 | 7,221 | 5,269 | |||||||||||||||
| Direct investor in direct investment enterprises |
7,333 | 6,019 | 6,655 | 7,048 | 5,829 | |||||||||||||||
| Direct investment enterprises in direct investor |
174 | 231 | (122 | ) | 173 | (561 | ) | |||||||||||||
Source: Bangko Sentral.
Note:
| (1) | Revised data. |
| (2) | Preliminary data. |
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The following table sets out the Republic’s portfolio investments for the periods indicated.
| Portfolio Investments | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023(1) | 2024(1) | 2025(2) | ||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Portfolio investment |
10,237 | (1,684 | ) | 3,544 | (3,528 | ) | 1,297 | |||||||||||||
| Net acquisition of financial assets |
7,809 | (281 | ) | 3,463 | 960 | 4,958 | ||||||||||||||
| Equity and investment fund shares |
1,786 | (529 | ) | 1,714 | 531 | 344 | ||||||||||||||
| Central banks |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||||||||
| Deposit-taking corporations, except the central bank |
(35 | ) | (3 | ) | (40 | ) | 15 | (23 | ) | |||||||||||
| Other sectors |
1,821 | (525 | ) | 1,754 | 516 | 367 | ||||||||||||||
| Debt securities |
6,023 | 247 | 1,749 | 430 | 4,615 | |||||||||||||||
| Central bank |
3,414 | 97 | 91 | 58 | (764 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Deposit-taking corporations, except the central bank |
(1,414 | ) | (656 | ) | (819 | ) | 3,602 | 3,385 | ||||||||||||
| Other sectors |
4,024 | 806 | 2,476 | (3,230 | ) | 1,994 | ||||||||||||||
| Net incurrence of liabilities |
(2,428 | ) | 1,402 | (81 | ) | 4,488 | ) | 3,661 | ||||||||||||
| Equity and investment fund shares |
(975 | ) | (488 | ) | (444 | ) | (87 | ) | (614 | ) | ||||||||||
| Deposit-taking corporations, except the central bank |
803 | 645 | 304 | 243 | 243 | |||||||||||||||
| Other sectors |
(1,778 | ) | (1,133 | ) | (748 | ) | (330 | ) | (358 | ) | ||||||||||
| Debt securities |
(1,452 | ) | 1,890 | 363 | 4,575 | 4,275 | ||||||||||||||
| Central bank |
(7 | ) | (8 | ) | (14 | ) | (9 | ) | (11 | ) | ||||||||||
| Deposit-taking corporations, except the central bank |
(1,069 | ) | 156 | (1,645 | ) | 483 | 1,026 | |||||||||||||
| General government |
225 | 2,945 | 1,932 | 4,867 | 3,780 | |||||||||||||||
| Other sectors |
(601 | ) | (1,202 | ) | 90 | 765 | 519 | |||||||||||||
Source: Bangko Sentral. Note:
Note:
| (1) | Revised data. |
| (2) | Preliminary data. |
From 2021 to 2025, the Government did not engage in derivative transactions with non-resident counterparties for either hedging or speculative purposes. However, the Bangko Sentral occasionally engages in derivative instrument transactions such as options, forwards and swaps for purposes of managing risk and enhancing yield.
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The following table sets out the Republic’s other investments for the periods indicated.
| Other Investments | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023(1) | 2024(1) | 2025(2) | ||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total other investment |
(6,987 | ) | (6,523 | ) | (11,635 | ) | (8,566 | ) | (6,020 | ) | ||||||||||
| Net acquisition of financial assets |
649 | (415 | ) | (2,062 | ) | 1,881 | ) | 221 | ||||||||||||
| Currency and deposits |
(631 | ) | 21 | (1,489 | ) | 1,358 | 219 | |||||||||||||
| Deposit-taking corporations, except the central bank |
184 | (629 | ) | (753 | ) | 441 | (165 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Other sectors |
(815 | 650 | (736 | 917 | 384 | |||||||||||||||
| Loans |
1,165 | (520 | ) | (744 | ) | 401 | (21 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Deposit-taking corporations, except the central bank |
1,165 | (520 | ) | (744 | ) | 401 | 401 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Trade credits and advances(3) |
141 | 94 | 92 | 56 | 29 | |||||||||||||||
| Other accounts receivable |
(26 | ) | (11 | ) | 79 | 66 | (7 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Net incurrence of liabilities |
7,636 | 6,108 | 9,573 | 10,447 | 6,241 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Currency and deposits |
380 | 479 | (141 | ) | (534 | ) | 756 | |||||||||||||
| Loans |
4,421 | 5,242 | 9,624 | 10,501 | 5,332 | |||||||||||||||
| Deposit-taking corporations, except the central bank |
(1,166 | ) | 28 | 2,087 | 4,419 | (518 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Long-term |
— | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| Short-term |
(1,166 | ) | 28 | 2,087 | 4,419 | (518 | ) | |||||||||||||
| General government |
4,450 | 3,757 | 4,792 | 5,042 | 4,391 | |||||||||||||||
| Long-term drawings |
5,642 | 4,795 | 6,088 | 6,742 | 6,098 | |||||||||||||||
| Long-term repayments |
1,192 | 1,038 | 1,295 | 1,700 | 1,707 | |||||||||||||||
| Other sectors |
1,137 | 1,457 | 2,745 | 1,040 | 1,458 | |||||||||||||||
| Long-term |
704 | 1,518 | 3,049 | 600 | 929 | |||||||||||||||
| Drawings |
2,602 | 3,354 | 6,723 | 4,190 | 2,384 | |||||||||||||||
| Repayments |
1,898 | 1,837 | 3,674 | 3,590 | 1,455 | |||||||||||||||
| Short-term |
432 | (61 | ) | (304 | ) | 440 | 529 | |||||||||||||
| Trade credits and advances |
265 | 510 | (66 | ) | 35 | 37 | ||||||||||||||
| Other accounts payable—other |
(202 | ) | (123 | ) | 155 | 445 | 445 | |||||||||||||
Source: Bangko Sentral.
Notes:
| (1) | Revised data. |
| (2) | Preliminary data. |
| (3) | All trade credits are short-term credits in non-governmental sectors. |
The financial account recorded a net inflow of $6.4 billion in 2021, slightly lower than the net inflow of $6.9 billion in 2020. This decrease was primarily a result of a decrease in portfolio investments from a net inflow of $1.7 billion in 2020 to a net outflow of $10.2 billion in 2021. This was offset by an increase in the net inflows of direct investments from $3.3 billion in 2020 to $9.7 billion in 2021, as well as an increase in the net inflows from other investments from $1.8 billion in 2020 to $7.0 billion in 2021.
The financial account recorded a net inflow of $13.9 billion in 2022, higher than the net inflow of $6.4 billion in 2021. This increase was primarily a result of an increase in portfolio investment, from a net outflow of $10.2 billion in 2021 to a net inflow of $1.7 billion in 2022. This was offset by a decrease in the net inflow of direct investments, from $9.7 billion in 2021 to $5.6 billion in 2022, and a decrease in other investments from an inflow of $7.0 billion in 2021 to an inflow of $6.5 billion in 2022.
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According to revised data, the financial account recorded a net outflow of $13.6 billion in 2023, higher than the net outflow of $12.9 billion in 2022. This increase was primarily a result of a 78.5% increase in the net outflow of other investment, from $6.5 billion in 2022 to $11.6 billion in 2023. This was partially offset by a 305.9% increase in portfolio investment from a net outflow of $1.7 billion in 2022 to a net inflow of $3.5 billion in 2023.
According to revised data, the financial account recorded a net outflow of $19.1 billion in 2024, higher than the net outflow of $13.6 billion in 2023. This increase in net outflow was primarily a result of a decrease in portfolio investment from a net inflow of $3.5 billion in 2023 to a net outflow of $3.5 billion in 2024, and a decrease in other investments from a net inflow of $11.6 billion in 2023 to a net inflow of $8.6 billion in 2024.
According to preliminary data, the financial account recorded a net outflow of $10.9 billion in 2025, lower than the net outflow of $19.1 billion in 2024. This decrease in net outflow was primarily a result of a reversal in portfolio investment from a net outflow of $3.5 billion in 2024 to a net inflow of $1.3 billion in 2025, as well as a decrease in other investments from a net inflow of $8.6 billion in 2024 to a net inflow of $6.0 billion in 2025. This was partially offset by a decrease in direct investment inflows from $6.7 billion in 2024 to $6.2 billion in 2025.
Foreign Direct Investment
Domestic macroeconomic policies and structural reforms have significantly affected the flow of foreign investment into the Philippines. The Foreign Investment Act of 1991, as amended (the “Foreign Investment Act”), introduced a more favorable investment environment to the Philippines. The Foreign Investment Act permits foreigners to own 100% of Philippine enterprises, except in certain specified areas included in a “negative list” with respect to which the Constitution or applicable statute limits foreign ownership. The negative list includes two sub-lists: list A, comprising sectors in which foreign ownership is limited or prohibited by mandate of the Constitution and specific laws, and list B, comprising sectors in which foreign ownership is limited for reasons of security, defense, risk to health and morals and protection of small- and medium-scale enterprises.
Section 8 of the Foreign Investment Act permits amendments to sub-list A of the negative list to be promulgated at any time to reflect changes in specific laws and amendments to sub-list B of the negative list to be promulgated not more often than once every two years, in each case by way of presidential proclamation. The 13th Regular Foreign Investment Negative List was promulgated on April 13, 2026 pursuant to Executive Order No.113 (2026). The following table presents a summary of the sectors in which foreign ownership is limited under the 13th Regular Foreign Investment Negative List.
| List A: Foreign Ownership Limited by Mandate of the Constitution
and |
List B: Foreign Ownership Limited for Reasons of | |
| Up to 40% Foreign Equity(1) |
Up to 40% Foreign Equity | |
Retail trade enterprise with paid-up capital of less than PHP 25,000,000.00 (1) Exploration, development, and utilization of natural resources including the appropriation of water direct from a natural source (2), except: a) agreements entered into with the President, involving either technical or financial assistance for large-scale exploration, development, and utilization of minerals, petroleum, and other mineral oils; and b) renewable energy, such as solar wind, hydro, and ocean or tidal energy, where full foreign participation is allowed (3) |
Manufacture, repair, storage, and/or distribution of products and/or ingredients requiring Philippine National Police (PNP) clearance: a. Firearms (handguns to shotguns), parts of firearms and ammunition therefore, instruments or implements used or intended to be used in the manufacture of firearms; b. Gunpowder; c. Dynamite; d. Blasting supplies; | |
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| List A: Foreign Ownership Limited by Mandate of the Constitution
and |
List B: Foreign Ownership Limited for Reasons of | |
Ownership of private lands (Section 7, Article XII of the Constitution; Section 22 of CA No. 141; and Section 4 of RA No. 9182 or the “Special Purpose Vehicle Act of 2002”), except a natural-born citizen who has lost his/her Philippine citizenship and who has the legal capacity to enter into a contract under Philippine laws (Section 8, Article XII of the Constitution; and Section 5 of RA No. 8179); Operation of public utilities (Section 11, Article XII of the Constitution; and Section 13 of CA No. 146 or the “Public Service Act,” as amended by Section 4 of RA No. 11659); (4), (5) Educational institutions other than those established by religious groups and mission boards, for foreign diplomatic personnel and their dependents, and other foreign temporary residents (Section 4(2), Article XIV of the Constitution; and Section 9 of RA No. 11448 or the “Transnational Higher Education Act”) or for short-term high level skills development that do not form part of the formal education system as defined in Section 20 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 232: (6) Culture, production, milling, processing, and trading, except retailing, of rice and corn, and acquiring, by barter, purchase, or otherwise, rice and corn and the by-products thereof (Section 5 of PD No. 194) subject to period of divestment (National Food Authority (NFA) Council Resolution No. 193 (s. 1998)); (7) Government procurement of goods; (8), (9), (10) Government procurement of infrastructure projects; (11) in cases where the structures to be built require the application of techniques or technologies which are not adequately possessed by Filipino entities, foreign ownership or interest is allowed up to 75%; (12) Government procurement of consulting services; (13), (14) Operation of commercial fishing vessels (Section 27 of RA No. 8550 or the “Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998,” as amended by RA No. 10654); and Ownership of condominium units (Section 5 of RA No. 4726 or the “Condominium Act”). |
e. Ingredients used in making explosives: i. Chlorates of potassium and sodium; ii. Nitrates of ammonium, potassium, sodium barium, copper (11), lead (11), calcium, and cuprite; iii. Nitric acid; iv. Nitrocellulose; v. Perchlorates of ammonium, potassium and sodium; vi. Dinitrocellulose; vii. Glycerol; viii. Amorphousphosphorus; ix. Hydrogen peroxide; x. Strontium nitrate powder; xi. Toluene; and f. Telescopic sights, sniper scope, and other similar devices. However, the manufacture and repair of these items may be specifically authorized by the Chief of the PNP to non-Philippine nationals (15) Development, production, manufacturing, assembly, servicing or operation of materiel(16) by an in-country enterprise Distribution and manufacture of dangerous drugs as authorized by law Sauna and steam bathhouses, massage clinics, and other like activities regulated by law because of risks posed to public health and morals All forms of gambling (RA No. 7042, as amended) except those covered by investment agreements with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation Micro and small domestic market enterprises with paid-in equity capital of less than the equivalent of US$200,000 Micro and small domestic market enterprises that: (i) involve advanced technology as determined by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST); endorsed as startup or startup enablers by the lead host agencies, namely the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Information and Communications Technology, and |
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| List A: Foreign Ownership Limited by Mandate of the Constitution
and |
List B: Foreign Ownership Limited for Reasons of | |
| DOST (RA No. 11337 or the “Innovative Startup Act”); or (iii) with a majority of their direct employees are Filipinos, but in no case shall the number of Filipino employees be less than fifteen (15), with paid-in equity capital of less than the equivalent of US$100,000.00 (RA No. 7042, as amended). | ||
| Up to 30% Foreign Equity |
||
Advertising |
||
| Up to 25% Foreign Equity |
||
Private recruitment, whether for local or overseas employment Contracts for the construction of defense-related structures |
||
Notes:
| (1) | Foreign-owned partnerships, associations, and corporations are allowed to engage or invest in retail trade provided, that: (a) the foreign retailer shall have a minimum paid-up capital of P25 Million; (b) the foreign retailer’s country of origin does not prohibit entry of Filipino retailers; and (c) the foreign retailer with more than one (1) physical store must have at least P10 Million minimum investment per store (Section 2 of RA No. 11595). |
| (2) | Article 15 of PD No. 1067 or the “Water Code of the Philippines,” in relation to IDEALS vs. PSALM, G.R. No. 192088, 9 October 2012, DOJ Opinion No. 21 (s. 2022), and Department of Energy (DOE) Department Circular No. DC2022-11-0034. |
| (3) | DOJ Opinion No. 21 states that “considering that solar, wind, hydro, and ocean or tidal energy sources are beyond the ambit of the term ‘natural resources’ in Section 2, Article XII of the Constitution and that the term ‘all forces of potential energy’ is to be understood in its technical sense, which necessarily excludes kinetic energy, we believe that the exploration, development, and utilization of solar, wind, hydro, and ocean or tidal energy should not be subject to the forty percent (40%) foreign equity limitation under Section 2.” |
| (4) | The participation of foreign investors in the governing body of any public utility enterprise shall be limited to their proportionate share in its capital, and all the executive and managing officers of such corporation or association must be citizens of the Philippines (Section 11, Article XII of the Constitution). |
| (5) | Public Utility refers to a public service that operates, manages or controls for public use any of the following: (1) distribution of electricity; (2) transmission of electricity; (3) petroleum and petroleum products pipeline transmission systems; (4) water pipeline distribution systems and wastewater pipeline systems, including sewerage pipeline systems; (5) seaports; and (6) public utility vehicles. No other person shall be deemed a public utility unless otherwise subsequently provided by law (Section 13 of CA No. 146, as amended by Section 4 of RA No. 11659). |
| (6) | Control and administration of educational institutions shall be vested to Filipino citizens (Section 4(2), Article XIV of the Constitution). |
| (7) | Full foreign participation is allowed provided that within the 30-year period from actual operation of the business, the foreign investor shall divest a minimum of 60% of their equity to Filipino citizens (Section 5 of PD No. 194; NFA Council Resolution No. 193 (s. 1998)). |
| (8) | Section 52.4.1.1 (b), (c), and (e) of the IRR of RA No. 12009 or the “New Government Procurement Act.” |
| (9) | Foreign bidders may be eligible to participate under any of the following circumstances: (i) when provided for under any treaty or international or executive agreement; (ii) when the foreign supplier is a citizen, corporation, or association of a country, the laws or regulations of which grant reciprocal rights or privileges |
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| to citizens, corporations, or associations of the Philippines; (iii) when the goods sought to be procured are not available for local suppliers; or (iv) when there is a need to prevent situations that defeat competition or restrain trade (Section 52.4.1.2 of the IRR of RA No. 12009). |
| (10) | Section 12 of RA No. 11981 or the “Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Act.” |
| (11) | Section 52.4.2.1 (b), (c), and (e) of the IRR of RA No. 12009. |
| (12) | Section 52.4.2.1 (e) of the IRR of RA No. 12009. |
| (13) | Section 52.4.3.1 (b), (c), and (e) of the IRR of RA No. 12009. |
| (14) | Foreign consultants may be hired in the event Filipino consultants do not have the sufficient expertise and capability to render the services required under the project, as determined by the Head of the Procuring Entity (Section 52.4.3.3 of the IRR of RA No. 12009). |
| (15) | The extent of foreign equity ownership allowed shall be specified in the PNP authority/clearance. |
| (16) | Materiel refers to military technology, weapons systems, arms, ammunition, combat clothing, armor, vehicles, and other similar military equipment, and materials (Section 3(g) of RA No. 12024 or the “Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act”). |
In March 2000, the Retail Trade Liberalization Act was enacted. The law aims to promote efficiency and competition among domestic industries and foreign competitors and better service and lower prices for consumers. Prior to its enactment, only citizens of the Philippines and corporations wholly owned by Filipino citizens could own a retail business in the Philippines. The law was amended in January 2022. Under the amended law, a foreign-owned partnership, association, or corporation may engage or invest in the retail trade business, provided it has a minimum paid-up capital of ₱25 million, its country of origin does not prohibit the entry of Filipino retailers, and where it is engaged in retail trade through more than one physical store, it makes a minimum investment of ₱10 million per store.
The Republic’s Board of Investments coordinates with national agencies, local governments and the private sector on the development of investment policies. In May 2020, the Board of Investments submitted its proposed 2020 Investment Priorities Plan (“2020 IPP”) to then President Duterte for approval. The 2020 IPP provides a transition for the implementation of the CREATE tax law, and integrates investment incentives (including income tax holidays and exemption from tax and duty on imports of capital equipment) for rural development, as well as COVID-19 pandemic- mitigating activities, such as the manufacture of COVID-19 essential goods and personal protective equipment. Following this, in March 2022, the Board of Investments submitted its proposed 2022 Strategic Investment Priorities Plan (“2022 SIPP”) to then President Duterte for approval. The 2022 SIPP builds on the 2020 IPP, and is aligned with the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022, the Inclusive Innovation Industrial Strategy of the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Pagtanaw 2050 program of the Department of Science and Technology. It lists investments eligible for tax incentives, including activities under the 2020 IPP, and these include activities such as the development of green ecosystems and others that will help build a more competitive economy and boost the Philippines’ industrial value chains, and technology research and development investments. Further to the 2022 SIPP, the Board of Investments formulated its 2026 Strategic Investment Priorities Plan (“2026 SIPP”) which is aligned with the policies of the National Government embodied in the AmBisyon Natin 2040, PAGTANAW 2050, Trabaho Para sa Bayan Plan, and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. It expands government support for innovation, technological advancement, and future-oriented industries, including data science and artificial intelligence technologies, quantum computing, cybersecurity, and advanced renewable energy. The 2026 SIPP was approved by President Marcos under Memorandum Order No. 47, which was signed on 21 May 2026 and published in the Official Gazette on 2 June 2026.
In July 2023, President Marcos led the launch of the Green Lanes for Strategic Investments, established through Executive Order No. 18 which he signed in February 2023. With its launch, the green lanes for strategic investments are now running in national government agencies and local government units where the securing of licenses and permits for strategic projects will be expedited. As of March 2026, a total of 244 projects valued at ₱6.43 trillion had been granted Green Lane certification, with projects largely concentrated in renewable energy,
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public-private partnership infrastructure, digital infrastructure, and food security. Of these, 19 projects valued at ₱266.85 billion were already operational.
The following table sets out foreign direct investments in the Philippines by industry.
| Net Foreign Direct Investment by Industry(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Industry |
2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025(2) | 2026(3) | ||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total equity other than reinvestment of earnings, net |
3,379.4 | 1,957.1 | 1,081.2 | 1,007.7 | 1,324.2 | 171.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Agriculture, forestry and fishing |
0.4 | 3.7 | 5.2 | 0.2 | 2.9 | 0.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Mining and quarrying |
6.0 | 5.0 | 7.1 | (3.3 | ) | 1.2 | 0.0 | |||||||||||||||||
| Manufacturing |
550.6 | 737.5 | 894.8 | 1,221.7 | 729.4 | 90.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply |
2,042.3 | 51.5 | (9.2 | ) | (101.2 | ) | (292.6 | ) | 5.8 | |||||||||||||||
| Water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities |
(8.5 | ) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.4 | 0.0 | |||||||||||||||||
| Construction |
51.5 | 160.9 | 69.7 | 53.7 | (31.4 | ) | (0.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles |
16.2 | 107.1 | (244.7 | ) | (138.5 | ) | 390.4 | 6.1 | ||||||||||||||||
| Transportation and storage |
72.6 | 30.5 | 17.5 | 13.0 | 24.7 | 0.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Accommodation and food service activities |
10.2 | 16.6 | 21.1 | 18.9 | 12.8 | 0.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Information and communication |
56.5 | 177.4 | 112.2 | 121.3 | 32.7 | 2.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Financial and insurance activities |
362.2 | 255.9 | (90.1 | ) | (515.7 | ) | 244.0 | 37.9 | ||||||||||||||||
| Real estate activities |
137.1 | 353.8 | 220.3 | 98.1 | 130.3 | 21.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Professional, scientific and technical activities |
48.1 | 33.6 | (27.5 | ) | 35.4 | 17.6 | 1.4 | |||||||||||||||||
| Administrative and support service activities |
15.3 | 11.5 | 12.0 | 188.6 | 54.0 | 5.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Public administration and defense; compulsory social security |
0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 0.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Education |
7.3 | 0.9 | 2.2 | 2.0 | 1.9 | 0.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Human health and social work activities |
8.0 | 3.4 | 89.6 | 2.3 | 1.9 | 0.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Arts, entertainment and recreation |
3.3 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 10.3 | 2.9 | 0.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other service activities |
0.3 | 6.9 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Others, not elsewhere classified(4) |
0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Reinvestment of earnings |
1,097.1 | 1,285.5 | 1,311.4 | 1,169.7 | 1,198.4 | 128.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Debt instruments, net |
7,506.9 | 6,249.6 | 6,532.6 | 7,221.0 | 5,268.8 | 733.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total |
11,983.4 | 9,492.2 | 8,925.1 | 9,398.3 | 7,791.4 | 1,033.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Source: Bangko Sentral.
Notes:
| (1) | Data restated using the 2009 Philippine Standard Industrial Classification and in accordance with the BPM6 framework. Pursuant to BPM6, net FDI flows refers to non-residents’ net equity capital (calculated as placements less withdrawals plus reinvestment of earnings plus debt instruments (i.e., net intercompany borrowings)). |
| (2) | Preliminary data. |
| (3) | Preliminary data for the first two months of 2026. |
| (4) | Covers non-residents’ investments in non-banks sourced from the Cross-Border Transactions Survey and in local banks and other non-residents’ investments wherein industry breakdown statistics are not available. |
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The following table sets out foreign direct investments in the Philippines by geographical region.
| Net Foreign Direct Investment by Geographical Region(1)(2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025(3) | 2026(4) | |||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Geographical Region |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total equity other than reinvestment of earnings, net |
3,379.4 | 1,957.1 | 1,081.2 | 1,007.7 | 1,324.2 | 171.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Asia |
3,326.2 | 1,585.9 | 1,302.5 | 886.7 | 1,268.1 | 98.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ASEAN(5) |
2,582.0 | 673.1 | 321.6 | 163.0 | 218.9 | 0.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Middle East(6) |
6.3 | 45.8 | (2.9 | ) | 0.3 | 11.4 | 1.2 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other Asia |
737.9 | 867.0 | 983.8 | 723.4 | 1,037.8 | 97.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Americas |
157.1 | 260.0 | 56.5 | (499.5 | ) | 180.6 | 64.3 | |||||||||||||||||
| Oceania |
(8.2 | ) | 6.4 | 6.3 | 0.5 | 3.0 | 0.3 | |||||||||||||||||
| Europe |
(96.8 | ) | 104.3 | (285.1 | ) | 616.9 | (129.1 | ) | 8.1 | |||||||||||||||
| European Union(7)(8) |
(121.3 | ) | 29.2 | (288.0 | ) | (268.9 | ) | (122.8 | ) | 6.7 | ||||||||||||||
| Other Europe |
24.5 | 75.1 | 2.9 | 885.8 | (6.2 | ) | 1.4 | |||||||||||||||||
| Africa |
1.0 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 3.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Others(9) |
0.0 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.7 | 0.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| International organization |
0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Reinvestment of earnings(10) |
1,097.1 | 1,285.5 | 1,311.4 | 1,169.7 | 1,198.4 | 128.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Debt instruments(10) |
7,506.9 | 6,249.6 | 6,532.6 | 7,221.0 | 5,268.8 | 733.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total |
11,983.4 | 9,492.2 | 8,925.1 | 9,398.3 | 7,791.4 | 1,033.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Source: Bangko Sentral.
Notes:
| (1) | Data restated using the 2009 Philippine Standard Industrial Classification and in accordance with the BPM6 framework. Pursuant to BPM6, net FDI flows refers to non-residents’ net equity capital (calculated as placements less withdrawals plus reinvestment of earnings plus debt instruments (i.e., net intercompany borrowings)). |
| (2) | Effective July 17, 2023, the BSP adopted the country list based on the ISO 3166 Country Codes and the country classification based on Continental Grouping (Asia, America, Oceania, Europe, and Africa). For comparability across periods, the data for 2018-2023 were revised to reflect the updated totals by continental group. |
| (3) | Preliminary data. |
| (4) | Preliminary data for the first two months of 2026. |
| (5) | Includes Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam. |
| (6) | Includes Bahrain, Egypt, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Palestinian Territory, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the Syrian Arab Republic (Syria), United Arab Emirates and Yemen. |
| (7) | Includes Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. |
| (8) | The United Kingdom left the European Union effective January 1, 2021. |
| (9) | Other countries not specified. |
| (10) | Country breakdowns statistics are not available. |
In 2021, net inflows of foreign direct investment were $12.0 billion, 75.7% higher than the $6.8 billion recorded in 2020. The higher inflows were mainly due to an 80.0% increase in net debt instruments, from $4.2 billion in 2020 to $7.5 billion in 2021. Net investments in electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply reversed from a net outflow of $38.3 million in 2020 to a net inflow of $2.0 billion in 2021. Net investments in
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financial and insurance activities increased from a net inflow of $230.5 million in 2020 to a net inflow of $362.2 million in 2021. These were partially offset by a decrease in net investments in manufacturing activities from a net inflow of $754.0 million in 2020 to a net inflow of $550.6 million in 2021.
The contribution of new equity investments to net inflows of foreign direct investment in 2021 increased to $3.4 billion, 98.1% higher than $1.7 billion in 2020. Foreign direct investment increased primarily as a result of increases in new equity investments of foreign direct investment from ASEAN to an inflow of $2.6 billion in 2021 from $295.8 million in 2020. These were partially offset by decreases in net inflows from the European Union from a net inflow of $278.7 million in 2020 to a net outflow of $121.3 million in 2021. Reinvestment of earnings in the Republic increased to $1.1 billion in 2021, compared with $944.2 million in 2020.
In 2022, net inflows of foreign direct investment were $9.5 billion, 20.8% lower than the $12.0 billion recorded in 2021. The lower inflows were mainly due to a decrease in net debt instruments from $7.5 billion in 2021 to $6.2 billion in 2022, and a decrease in net investments in electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply from $2.0 billion in 2021 to $51.5 million in 2022, and in financial and insurance activities from $362.2 million in 2021 to $255.9 million in 2022. However, this was offset by an increase in net investments in manufacturing activities from a net inflow of $550.6 million to $737.5 million, construction from a net inflow of $51.5 million in 2021 to a net inflow of $160.9 million in 2022, as well as agriculture, forestry and fishing from a net inflow of $0.4 million in 2021 to a net inflow of $3.7 million in 2022.
The contribution of new equity investments to net inflows of foreign direct investment decreased to $2.0 billion in 2022 from $3.4 billion in 2021. Foreign direct investment decreased primarily as a result of decreases in new equity investments of foreign direct investment from the ASEAN countries and other Asian countries to net inflows of $673.1 million and $867.0 million, respectively, in 2022 from net inflows of $2.6 billion and $737.9 million, respectively, in 2021. These were partially offset by increases in net inflows from the European Union and the Americas, from a net outflow of $121.3 million and inflow of $157.1 million in 2021, to a net inflow of $29.2 million and $260.0 million in 2022, respectively. Reinvestment of earnings in the Republic increased to $1.3 billion in 2022, compared with $1.1 billion in 2021.
In 2023, net inflows of foreign direct investment were $8.9 billion, 6.0% lower than the $9.5 billion recorded in 2022. The lower inflows were mainly due to a decrease in inflows for net equity other than reinvestment of earnings, which decreased from $2.0 billion in 2022 to $1.1 billion in 2023, and in the financial and insurance activities industry, from an inflow of $255.9 million for 2022 to an outflow of $90.1 million for 2023. This decrease was similarly observed for the construction industry, which had a decreased net inflow from $160.9 million for 2022 to $69.7 million for 2023, as well as for real estate activities, which inflows decreased from $353.8 million for 2022, to $220.3 million for 2023. However, these were slightly offset by an increase in net inflows for manufacturing activities, which increased from $737.5 million in 2022 to $894.8 million in 2023.
In 2023, the contribution of new equity investments to net inflows of foreign direct investment decreased to $1.1 billion in 2023 from $2.0 billion in 2022. Foreign direct investment decreased primarily as a result of decreases in new equity investments of foreign direct investment from the ASEAN countries and the Americas to net inflows of $321.6 million and $56.5 million, respectively, in 2023 from net inflows of $673.1 million and $260.0 million, respectively, in 2022. Reinvestment of earnings in the Republic increased to $1,311.4 million in 2023, compared with $1,285.5 million in 2022.
In 2024, net inflows of foreign direct investment were $9.4 billion, 5.3% higher than the $8.9 billion recorded in 2023. The higher inflows were mainly due to an increase in net debt instruments from $6.5 billion in 2023 to $7.2 billion in 2024. However, net equity other than reinvestment of earnings decreased from $1.1 billion in 2023 to $1.0 billion in 2024. Net investments in manufacturing activities increased from $894.8 million in 2023 to $1,221.7 million in 2024, and administrative and support service activities increased from $12.0 million in 2023 to $188.6 million in 2024. These were partially offset by a widening of net outflows in financial and insurance activities from $90.1 million in 2023 to $515.7 million in 2024.
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In 2024, the contribution of new equity investments to net inflows of foreign direct investment decreased to an inflow of $1.0 billion in 2024 from an inflow of $1.1 billion in 2023. By geographical region, new equity investments from Europe reversed from a net outflow of $285.1 million in 2023 to a net inflow of $616.9 million in 2024. This was partially offset by decreases in new equity investments of foreign direct investment from the Americas, which reversed from a net inflow of $56.5 million in 2023 to a net outflow of $499.5 million in 2024, and from ASEAN countries, which decreased from a net inflow of $321.6 million in 2023 to a net inflow of $163.0 million in 2024. Reinvestment of earnings in the Republic decreased to $1,169.7 million in 2024, compared with $1,311.4 million in 2023.
In 2025, according to preliminary data, net inflows of foreign direct investment were $7.8 billion, 17.1% lower than the $9.4 billion recorded in 2024. The lower inflows were mainly due to a decrease in net debt instruments from $7.2 billion in 2024 to $5.3 billion in 2025. Net investments in manufacturing decreased from $1,221.7 million in 2024 to $729.4 million in 2025, and net outflows in electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply widened from $101.2 million in 2024 to $292.6 million in 2025. These were partially offset by a reversal in wholesale and retail trade from a net outflow of $138.5 million in 2024 to a net inflow of $390.4 million in 2025, and a reversal in financial and insurance activities from a net outflow of $515.7 million in 2024 to a net inflow of $244.0 million in 2025.
In 2025, according to preliminary data, the contribution of new equity investments to net inflows of foreign direct investment increased to $1.3 billion in 2025 from $1.0 billion in 2024. By geographical region, new equity investments from Asia increased from $886.7 million in 2024 to $1,268.1 million in 2025, driven by an increase from other Asian countries from $723.4 million to $1,037.8 million. New equity investments from the Americas reversed from a net outflow of $499.5 million in 2024 to a net inflow of $180.6 million in 2025. These were partially offset by a reversal in new equity investments from Europe, from a net inflow of $616.9 million in 2024 to a net outflow of $129.1 million in 2025. Reinvestment of earnings in the Republic increased to $1,198.4 million in 2025, compared with $1,169.7 million in 2024.
In the first two months of 2026, according to preliminary data, net inflows of foreign direct investment were $1.0 billion, 34.8% lower than the $1.6 billion recorded in the first two months of 2025. The lower inflows were mainly due to a 38.8% decrease in net debt instruments from $1.2 billion in the first two months of 2025 to $733.6 million in the first two months of 2026, and a 32.3% decrease in reinvestment of earnings from $188.9 million to $128.0 million. The contribution of new equity investments decreased by 12.5% to $171.5 million in the first two months of 2026 from $195.9 million in the first two months of 2025. By geographical region, new equity investments from Asia decreased by 37.1%, while net inflows from the Americas increased by 202.5%. Net inflows from Europe decreased by 54.9%.
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International Reserves
The following table sets out the gross international reserves of the Bangko Sentral, compiled in a manner consistent with the revised balance of payments framework and the treatment of IMF accounts in the depository corporations survey published in the IMF’s International Financial Statistics.
| Gross International Reserves of Bangko Sentral | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026(1) | |||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions, except months and percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sector |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reserve position in the IMF(2) |
801.6 | 789.8 | 760.9 | 675.6 | 727.3 | 712.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gold |
9,332.8 | 9,282.3 | 10,557.2 | 11,005.7 | 18,577.5 | 19,480.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Special drawing rights (“SDR”) |
3,938.9 | 3,764.8 | 3,809.6 | 3,760.7 | 3,943.2 | 3,951.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign investments |
91,624.5 | 81,369.5 | 87,854.8 | 89,476.0 | 86,926.4 | 79,246.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency and deposits(3) |
3,096.6 | 942.8 | 770.7 | 1,366.5 | 659.0 | 583.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Gross international reserves |
108,794.4 | 96,149.2 | 103,753.2 | 106,256.5 | 110,833.4 | 103,973.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Import cover(4) |
9.7 | 7.2 | 7.6 | 7.3 | 7.3 | 6.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term debt cover (percentage) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residual maturity(5) |
552.2 | 394.4 | 401.2 | 407.9 | 415.2 | 363.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
Source: Bangko Sentral.
Notes:
| (1) | Preliminary data as of May 31, 2026. |
| (2) | The reserve position in the IMF refers to the country’s claim on the IMF’s General Resources Account. It is an asset of the Government but is treated as part of the gross international reserves. |
| (3) | Foreign currency and deposits refers to foreign currency–denominated assets, including demand deposits, cash holdings, amounts due from/to brokers, and accrued interest receivables. |
| (4) | Number of months of average imports of goods and payment of services and primary income that can be financed by reserves. |
| (5) | Refers to adequacy of reserves to cover outstanding short-term external debt based on original maturity plus principal payments on medium- and long-term external loans of the public and private sectors falling due in the next 12 months. Figures reflect data based on debt service schedule on outstanding external debt as of December 31, 2025, and outstanding short-term external debt as of February 28, 2026. |
The gross international reserves controlled by the Bangko Sentral constitute substantially all of the Philippines’ official international reserves. The Bangko Sentral occasionally enters into options with respect to gold, foreign exchange and foreign securities for purposes of managing yield or market risk. It also enters into financial swap contracts to optimize yield on its gold reserves.
As of December 31, 2021, gross international reserves were $108.8 billion, a decrease from the $110.1 billion recorded as of December 31, 2020. This decrease was mainly due to a decrease of $2.0 billion in foreign investments to $91.6 billion as of December 31, 2021 from $93.6 billion as of December 31, 2020. The level of gross international reserves as of December 31, 2021 was sufficient to cover approximately 9.7 months of imports of goods and payments of services and income, and was equivalent to 7.2 times the Republic’s short-term debt based on original maturity and 5.5 times based on residual maturity. Net international reserves at the end of December 2021 were $108.8 billion.
As of December 31, 2022, gross international reserves were $96.1 billion, a decrease from the $108.8 billion recorded as of December 31, 2021. This decrease was mainly due to a decrease of $10.3 billion in foreign investments to $81.4 billion as of December 31, 2022 from $91.6 billion as of December 31, 2021. The level of
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gross international reserves as of December 31, 2022 was sufficient to cover approximately 7.2 months of imports of goods and payments of services and income, and was equivalent to 5.8 times the Republic’s short-term debt based on original maturity and 3.9 times based on residual maturity. Net international reserves at the end of December 2022 were $96.1 billion.
As of December 31, 2023, gross international reserves were $103.8 billion, an increase from the $96.1 billion recorded as of December 31, 2022. This increase was mainly due to an increase of $6.5 billion in foreign investments to $87.9 billion as of December 31, 2023 from $81.4 billion as of December 31, 2022. The level of gross international reserves as of December 31, 2023 was sufficient to cover approximately 7.6 months of imports of goods and payments of services and income, and was equivalent to 6.1 times the Republic’s short-term debt based on original maturity and 4.0 times based on residual maturity. Net international reserves at the end of December 2023 were $103.7 billion.
As of December 31, 2024, gross international reserves were $106.3 billion, an increase from the $103.8 billion recorded as of December 31, 2023. This increase was mainly due to an increase of $1.6 billion in foreign investments to $89.5 billion as of December 31, 2024 from $87.9 billion as of December 31, 2023. The level of gross international reserves as of December 31, 2024 was sufficient to cover approximately 7.3 months of imports of goods and payments of services and income, and was equivalent to 5.0 times the Republic’s short-term debt based on original maturity and 4.1 times based on residual maturity. Net international reserves at the end of December 2024 were $106.2 billion.
As of December 31, 2025, gross international reserves were $110.8 billion, an increase from the $106.3 billion recorded as of December 31, 2024. This increase was mainly due to an increase of $7.6 billion in gold holdings to $18.6 billion as of December 31, 2025 from $11.0 billion as of December 31, 2024, partially offset by a decrease of $2.5 billion in foreign investments to $86.9 billion as of December 31, 2025 from $89.5 billion as of December 31, 2024. The level of gross international reserves as of December 31, 2025 was sufficient to cover approximately 7.3 months of imports of goods and payments of services and income, and was equivalent to 4.2 times the Republic’s short-term debt based on residual maturity. Net international reserves at the end of December 2025 were approximately $110.8 billion.
As of May 31, 2026, based on preliminary data, gross international reserves were $104.0 billion, a decrease from the $110.8 billion recorded as of December 31, 2025. This decrease was mainly due to a decrease of $7.7 billion in foreign investments to $79.2 billion as of May 31, 2026 from $86.9 billion as of December 31, 2025, partially offset by an increase of $0.9 billion in gold holdings to $19.5 billion. The level of gross international reserves as of May 31, 2026 was sufficient to cover approximately 6.9 months of imports of goods and payments of services and income, and was equivalent to 3.6 times the Republic’s short-term debt based on residual maturity.
Monetary System
Monetary Policy
In 1993, the Government established the Bangko Sentral, the Republic’s central bank, pursuant to the New Central Bank Act. The Bangko Sentral replaced the old Central Bank of the Philippines. The Bangko Sentral functions as an independent central monetary authority responsible for policies in the areas of money, banking and credit, as authorized under the New Central Bank Act. The New Central Bank Act prohibits the Bangko Sentral from engaging in quasi-fiscal activities, commercial banking or development banking or financing, all of which had contributed to substantial deficits at the old Central Bank of the Philippines.
The Bangko Sentral’s primary objectives are to maintain price stability, monetary stability and the convertibility of the peso. To achieve its price stability objective, the Bangko Sentral undertakes monetary management mainly through adjustments to policy rates and the conduct of open market operations, including the purchase and sale of Government securities, rediscounting transactions and adjustments in reserve requirements.
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The Bangko Sentral’s functions include:
| | conducting monetary policy; |
| | issuing the national currency; |
| | managing foreign currency reserves; |
| | acting as depository for the Government, its political subdivisions and instrumentalities and GOCCs; and |
| | regulating banks and quasi-banks in the Philippines. |
The Government owns all of the capital stock of the Bangko Sentral. A seven-member Monetary Board consisting of the Bangko Sentral’s Governor, a member of the Cabinet designated by the President, and five full-time private sector representatives governs the Bangko Sentral. The President appoints each of the seven Monetary Board members, except the Cabinet representative, to six-year terms.
Philippine law requires the Bangko Sentral to maintain international reserves adequate to meet any foreseeable net demands for foreign currencies.
On February 14, 2019, then President Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11211, a law amending the New Central Bank Act by, among others, increasing the capitalization, as well as the powers of the Bangko Sentral. Under this law, the Bangko Sentral’s capitalization was increased from ₱50 billion to ₱200 billion, a measure that provides more funds either for absorbing losses or for investment. The law also expands the Bangko Sentral’s supervisory powers to cover more types of financial institutions, including money service businesses, credit granting businesses and payment system operators.
In addition, the Bangko Sentral is empowered to demand the forfeiture of profits from unauthorized financial transactions, as well as impose additional administrative and criminal sanctions. Finally, the Bangko Sentral was given the authority to issue debt papers for more flexibility in determining the timing and size of its monetary operations.
As of December 31, 2021, Bangko Sentral, according to restated audited financial information, had total assets of ₱7,575.9 billion, of which international reserves accounted for ₱5,505.4 billion. Bangko Sentral’s remaining assets consisted mainly of domestic securities, loans and advances, bank premises and other fixed assets and other assets, and its liabilities consisted mainly of currency in circulation and deposits from banks and quasi- banks.
As of December 31, 2022, Bangko Sentral, according to audited financial information, had total assets of ₱7,227.9 billion, of which international reserves accounted for ₱5,322.7 billion. Bangko Sentral’s remaining assets consisted mainly of domestic securities, loans and advances, bank premises and other fixed assets and other assets, and its liabilities consisted mainly of currency in circulation and deposits from banks and quasi-banks.
As of December 31, 2023, Bangko Sentral, according to audited financial information, had total assets of ₱7,546.4 billion, of which international reserves accounted for ₱5,707.6 billion. Bangko Sentral’s remaining assets consisted mainly of domestic securities, loans and advances, bank premises and other fixed assets and other assets, and its liabilities consisted mainly of currency in circulation and deposits from banks and quasi-banks.
As of December 31, 2024, according to audited financial information, Bangko Sentral, had total assets of ₱7,810.2 billion, of which international reserves accounted for ₱6,107.5 billion. Bangko Sentral’s remaining assets consisted mainly of domestic securities, loans and advances, bank premises and other fixed assets and other assets, and its liabilities consisted mainly of currency in circulation and deposits from banks and quasi-banks.
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As of December 31, 2025, according to unaudited preliminary financial information, Bangko Sentral, had total assets of ₱8,003.2 billion, of which international reserves accounted for ₱6,473.1 billion. Bangko Sentral’s remaining assets consisted mainly of domestic securities, loans and advances, bank premises and other fixed assets and other assets, and its liabilities consisted mainly of currency in circulation and deposits from banks and quasi-banks.
Money Supply
The following table presents certain information regarding the Philippines’ money supply. In July 2013, the Bangko Sentral adopted a new system for compiling and reporting monetary statistics called the Standardized Reporting Forms (“SRF”) format as part of the Bangko Sentral’s adherence to international best practices in statistical compilation. The adoption of the SRF system did not result in any change to overall monetary balances. However, the Bangko Sentral has, in connection with the adoption of the SRF, also implemented certain recommendations from the IMF pertaining to the inclusion of unsecured subordinated debt and accrued interest expense, which has given rise to minor changes in amounts previously reported.
| Money Supply (SRF-based) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025(1) | 2026(2) | |||||||||||||||||||
| (₱ in billions, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| M1(3) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Currency in circulation |
1,876.8 | 2,020.0 | 2,115.9 | 2,366.8 | 2,515.5 | 2,442.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Current account deposits |
4,323.3 | 4,603.3 | 4,750.0 | 5,027.3 | 5,407.4 | 5,469.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total |
6,200.1 | 6,623.3 | 6,865.9 | 7,394.1 | 7,922.9 | 7,911.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
| percentage increase(4) |
13.6 | % | 6.8 | % | 3.7 | % | 7.7 | % | 7.2 | % | 8.6 | % | ||||||||||||
| M2(5) |
14,769.5 | 15,918.1 | 16,948.8 | 18,334.2 | 19,754.8 | 19,799.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
| percentage increase(4) |
8.9 | % | 7.8 | % | 6.5 | % | 8.2 | % | 7.7 | % | 11.2 | % | ||||||||||||
| M3(6) |
15,343.4 | 16,405.9 | 17,441.3 | 18,790.1 | 20,151.9 | 20,348.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| percentage increase(4) |
7.9 | % | 6.9 | % | 6.3 | % | 7.7 | % | 7.2 | % | 12.2 | % | ||||||||||||
Sources: Department of Economic Statistics; Bangko Sentral.
Notes:
| (1) | Preliminary data. |
| (2) | Preliminary data as of April 30, 2026. |
| (3) | Consists of currency in circulation and demand deposits. |
| (4) | Year-on-year changes. |
| (5) | Consists of M1, savings deposits and time deposits. |
| (6) | Consists of M2 and deposit substitutes. |
As of December 31, 2021, the Republic’s money supply (M3) was ₱15.3 trillion, an increase of 7.9% from the ₱.2 trillion as of December 31, 2020. This growth in money supply was driven mainly by the increase in domestic claims, which increased by 8.2% compared to the level as of December 31, 2020. This increase was primarily driven by an increase in net claims on Central Government, which increased by 21.9% compared to the level as of December 31, 2020. The Bangko Sentral’s net foreign asset position increased by 6.5% to ₱6.5 trillion as of December 31, 2021 and the net foreign asset position of other depository corporations also increased by 15.9% to ₱0.9 trillion as of December 31, 2021.
As of December 31, 2022, according to preliminary data, the Republic’s money supply (M3) was ₱16.4 trillion, an increase of 6.9% from the ₱15.3 trillion as of December 31, 2021. This growth in money supply was driven mainly by the increase in domestic claims, which increased by 12.8% compared to the level as of December 31, 2021. This increase was primarily driven by an increase in net claims on Central Government, which increased by 20.8% compared to the level as of December 31, 2021. The Bangko Sentral’s net foreign
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asset position decreased by 3.5% to ₱.3 trillion as of December 31, 2022 and the net foreign asset position of other depository corporations decreased by 4.1% to ₱0.9 trillion as of December 31, 2022.
As of December 31, 2023, according to preliminary data, the Republic’s money supply (M3) was ₱17.4 trillion, an increase of 6.3% from the ₱16.4 trillion as of December 31, 2022. This growth in money supply was mainly driven by the increase in domestic claims, which increased by 11.5% compared to the level as of December 31, 2022. This increase was primarily driven by an increase in net claims on Central Government, which increased by 16.5% compared to the level as of December 31, 2022. The Bangko Sentral’s net foreign asset position decreased by 1.0% to ₱6.5 trillion as of December 31, 2023 and the net foreign asset position of other depository corporations decreased by 6.0% to ₱775.1 billion as of December 31, 2023.
As of December 31, 2024, according to preliminary data, the Republic’s money supply (M3) was ₱18.8 trillion, an increase of 7.7% from the ₱17.4 trillion as of December 31, 2023. This growth in money supply was mainly driven by the increase in domestic claims, which increased by 10.4% compared to the level as of December 31, 2023. This increase was primarily driven by an increase in net claims on other sectors, which increased by 11.6% compared to the level as of December 31, 2023. The Bangko Sentral’s net foreign asset position increased by 6.0% to ₱6.9 trillion as of December 31, 2024 and the net foreign asset position of other depository corporations decreased by 0.4% to ₱771.6 billion as of December 31, 2024.
As of December 31, 2025, according to preliminary data, the Republic’s money supply (M3) was ₱20.2 trillion, an increase of 7.2% from the ₱18.8 trillion as of December 31, 2024. This growth in money supply was mainly driven by the increase in domestic claims, which increased by 10.5% compared to the level as of December 31, 2024. This increase was primarily driven by an increase in net claims on Central Government, which increased by 10.8% compared to the level as of December 31, 2024. The Bangko Sentral’s net foreign asset position increased by 5.3% to ₱6.5 trillion as of December 31, 2025 and the net foreign asset position of other depository corporations increased by 10.8% to ₱855.4 billion as of December 31, 2025.
As of April 30, 2026, according to preliminary data, the Republic’s money supply (M3) was ₱20.3 trillion, an increase of 12.2% from the ₱18.1 trillion as of April 30, 2025. This growth in money supply was mainly driven by the increase in domestic claims, which increased by 12.7% compared to the level as of April 30, 2025. This increase was primarily driven by an increase in net claims on Central Government, which increased by 15.1% compared to the level as of April 30, 2025. The Bangko Sentral’s net foreign asset position increased by 7.9% to ₱6.4 trillion as of April 30, 2026 and the net foreign asset position of other depository corporations increased by 17.2% to ₱875.7 billion as of April 30, 2026.
The following table presents information regarding domestic interest and deposit rates.
Domestic Interest and Deposit Rates
| Domestic Interest and Deposit Rates | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||
| (weighted averages per period) (%) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 91-day Treasury bill rates |
1.1 | 1.9 | 5.4 | 5.7 | 5.2 | 5.0 | (1) | |||||||||||||||||
| Bank average lending rates |
6.1 | (2) | 6.0 | (2) | 7.6 | (2) | 7.9 | (2) | 7.8 | (2) | 7.1 | (3) | ||||||||||||
Source: Bangko Sentral.
Notes:
| (1) | For May 2026. |
| (2) | Preliminary data. |
| (3) | Preliminary data for February 2026. |
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Monetary Regulation
The Bangko Sentral formally adopted inflation targeting as the framework for monetary policy in January 2002. This policy move is aimed at providing the Bangko Sentral with a more focused and forward-looking approach in the pursuit of its primary mandate, which is to ensure price stability. This approach involves the announcement of an explicit inflation target that the Bangko Sentral seeks to achieve over a given time period. The target inflation rate is set and announced jointly by the Bangko Sentral and the Government through an interagency body. Although the responsibility of achieving the target rests primarily with the Bangko Sentral, this joint announcement reflects active Government participation in achieving the goal of price stability and the inflation target. The Bangko Sentral also created an Advisory Committee which deliberates, discusses and recommends to the Monetary Board the appropriate monetary policy stance that will enable the Bangko Sentral to achieve the desired inflation target.
On June 3, 2016, the Bangko Sentral adopted an interest rate corridor (“IRC”) system in its monetary operations. The primary aim of the adoption of the IRC system was to improve the transmission of monetary policy. By helping to ensure that money market rates move within a reasonably close range around the Monetary Board’s policy rate, the IRC system is expected to help enhance the link between the stance of the Bangko Sentral monetary policy and financial markets and, thereby, impact the real economy. The IRC system consists of the following instruments: standing liquidity facilities, namely, the overnight lending facility and the overnight deposit facility; the overnight reverse repurchase facility; and a term deposit auction facility. The interest rates for the standing liquidity facilities form the upper and lower bound of the corridor while the overnight reverse repurchase rate is set at the middle of the corridor. The interest rates applied on the overnight lending facility and reverse repurchase facility signal the stance of the Bangko Sentral’s monetary policy, while the term deposit facility serves as the main tool for absorbing liquidity.
In connection with the establishment of the IRC system, on June 3, 2016, the Monetary Board set a new overnight lending facility rate of 3.5% (a reduction of the interest rate for the upper bound of the corridor from the previous overnight lending facility rate of 6.0%), adjusted the reverse repurchase rate to 3.0% (a reduction from the previous 4.0%) and set a new overnight deposit facility rate of 2.5% (consistent with the previous Special Deposit Account rate). In doing so, the Monetary Board noted that the shift to the IRC system does not represent a change in the Bangko Sentral’s stance on monetary policy. The IRC reforms are primarily operational in nature and have not materially affected prevailing monetary policy settings upon implementation. In particular, the weighted rate for monetary operations will remain broadly the same as before the implementation of the IRC system. Moreover, the interest rate at the floor of the corridor, where the bulk of the Bangko Sentral’s liquidity absorption with the market currently takes place, is being kept steady at the launch of the IRC system. At the same time, short-term liquidity conditions have remained broadly unchanged as funds continued to be absorbed through monetary operations under the new IRC system.
The Monetary Board reviews interest rates on a regular basis.
On February 11, 2021, March 25, 2021, May 12, 2021, June 24, 2021, August 12, 2021, September 23, 2021, November 18, 2021 and December 16, 2021, the Monetary Board decided to maintain the interest rate on the Bangko Sentral’s overnight reverse repurchase facility at 2.0%, citing a manageable inflation environment and that the prevailing monetary policy settings remain appropriate to support the Government’s broader efforts to facilitate the recovery of the economy. The interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were likewise kept at 1.5% and 2.5%, respectively.
On March 24, 2022, the Monetary Board decided to maintain the interest rate on the Bangko Sentral’s overnight reverse repurchase facility at 2.0%. The interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were likewise kept at 1.5% and 2.5%, respectively. On May 19, 2022, the Monetary Board decided to raise the interest rate on the Bangko Sentral’s overnight reverse repurchase facility by 25 basis points to 2.25%, effective on May 20, 2022. The increases in the interest rates since May 2022 aim to anchor inflation expectations and
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temper mounting risks to the inflation outlook, including easing depreciation pressures on the peso. Accordingly, the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were raised to 1.75% and 2.75%, respectively. On June 23, 2022, the Monetary Board decided to raise the interest rate on the Bangko Sentral’s overnight reverse repurchase facility by 25 basis points to 2.5%, effective on June 24, 2022. Accordingly, the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were raised to 2.0% and 3.0%, respectively. On July 14, 2022, the Monetary Board decided to raise the interest rate on the Bangko Sentral’s overnight reverse repurchase facility by 75 basis points to 3.25%, effective on July 14, 2022. Accordingly, the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were raised to 2.75% and 3.75%, respectively. On August 18, 2022, the Monetary Board decided to raise the interest rate on the Bangko Sentral’s overnight reverse repurchase facility by 50 basis points to 3.75%, effective on August 19, 2022. Accordingly, the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were raised to 3.25% and 4.25%, respectively. The Monetary Board decided to raise the interest rate on the Bangko Sentral’s overnight reverse repurchase facility by 50 basis points to 5.5%, effective on December 16, 2022. Accordingly, the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were raised to 5.0% and 6.0%, respectively.
On February 16, 2023, the Monetary Board decided to raise the interest rate on the Bangko Sentral’s overnight reverse repurchase facility by 50 basis points to 6.0%, effective February 17, 2023. Accordingly, the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were set to 5.5% and 6.5%, respectively. On March 23, 2023, the Monetary Board decided to raise the interest rate on the Bangko Sentral’s overnight reverse repurchase facility by 25 basis points to 6.25%, effective March 24, 2023. Accordingly, the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were set to 5.75% and 6.75%, respectively. On May 18, 2023, June 22, 2023, August 17, 2023 and September 21, 2023, the Monetary Board decided to maintain the interest rate on the Bangko Sentral’s overnight reverse repurchase facility at 6.25% citing emerging upside risks to the inflation outlook. Accordingly, the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were retained at 5.75% and 6.75%, respectively. On October 26, 2023, the Monetary Board decided to take off-cycle action to raise the Bangko Sentral’s overnight reverse repurchase facility by 25 basis points to 6.50%, effective October 27, 2023. Accordingly, the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were set to 6.0% and 7.0%, respectively. On November 16, 2023 and December 14, 2023, the Monetary Board decided to maintain the interest rate on the Bangko Sentral’s overnight reverse repurchase facility at 6.50%. Accordingly, the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were maintained at 6.0% and 7.0%, respectively.
On February 15, 2024, April 8, 2024, May 16, 2024 and June 27, 2024, the Monetary Board decided to maintain the interest rate on the Bangko Sentral’s overnight reverse repurchase facility at 6.50%. Accordingly, the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were maintained at 6.0% and 7.0%, respectively. On August 15, 2024, the Monetary Board decided to reduce the Bangko Sentral’s overnight reverse repurchase facility by 25 basis points to 6.25%. Accordingly, the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were accordingly adjusted to 5.75% and 6.75%, respectively. On October 16, 2024, the Monetary Board decided to further reduce the interest rate on the Bangko Sentral’s overnight reverse repurchase facility by 25 basis points to 6.0%. Accordingly, the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were adjusted to 5.5% and 6.5%, respectively. On December 19, 2024, the Monetary Board decided to reduce the interest rate on the Bangko Sentral’s overnight reverse repurchase facility by 25 basis points to 5.75%. Accordingly, the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were adjusted to 5.25% and 6.25%, respectively.
On February 13, 2025, the Monetary Board decided to maintain the interest rate on the Bangko Sentral’s overnight reverse repurchase facility at 5.75%. Accordingly, the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities remained at 5.25% and 6.25%, respectively. On April 10, 2025, the Monetary Board decided to reduce the interest rate on the Bangko Sentral’s overnight reverse repurchase facility by 25 basis points to 5.50%. Accordingly, the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were adjusted to 5.00% and 6.00%, respectively. On June 19, 2025, the Monetary Board decided to reduce the interest rate on the Bangko Sentral’s overnight reverse repurchase facility by 25 basis points to 5.25%. Accordingly, the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were adjusted to 4.75% and 5.75%, respectively. On August 28, 2025, the Monetary Board decided to reduce the interest rate on the Bangko Sentral’s overnight reverse repurchase facility by 25
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basis points to 5.00%. Accordingly, the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were adjusted to 4.50% and 5.50%, respectively. On October 9, 2025, the Monetary Board decided to reduce the interest rate on the Bangko Sentral’s overnight reverse repurchase facility by 25 basis points to 4.75%. Accordingly, the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were adjusted to 4.25% and 5.25%, respectively. On December 11, 2025, the Monetary Board decided to reduce the interest rate on the Bangko Sentral’s overnight reverse repurchase facility by 25 basis points to 4.50%, signaling that the easing cycle was nearing its end. Accordingly, the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were adjusted to 4.00% and 5.00%, respectively.
On February 19, 2026, the Monetary Board decided to reduce the interest rate on the Bangko Sentral’s overnight reverse repurchase facility by 25 basis points to 4.25%. Accordingly, the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were adjusted to 3.75% and 4.75%, respectively. On March 23, 2026, the Monetary Board held an off-cycle meeting and decided to maintain the interest rate on the Bangko Sentral’s overnight reverse repurchase facility at 4.25%, citing fast-changing developments and uncertain economic conditions. Accordingly, the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities remained at 3.75% and 4.75%, respectively. On April 23, 2026, the Monetary Board decided to raise the interest rate on the Bangko Sentral’s overnight reverse repurchase facility by 25 basis points to 4.50%, citing a worsening inflation outlook driven by rising global oil and fertilizer prices amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. Accordingly, the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were adjusted to 4.00% and 5.00%, respectively.
Foreign Exchange System
The Republic maintains a floating exchange rate system under which market forces determine the exchange rate for the peso. The Bangko Sentral may, however, intervene in the market to maintain orderly market conditions and limit sharp fluctuations in the exchange rate.
The following table sets out exchange rate information between the peso and the U.S. dollar.
| Exchange Rates of Peso per U.S. Dollar |
||||||||
| Year |
Period End |
Period Average(1) |
||||||
| 2021 |
50.774 | 49.255 | ||||||
| 2022 |
56.120 | 54.478 | ||||||
| 2023 |
55.567 | 55.630 | ||||||
| 2024 |
58.014 | 57.291 | ||||||
| 2025 |
58.805 | 57.505 | ||||||
| 2026(2) |
61.654 | 59.716 | ||||||
Sources: Reference Exchange Rate Bulletin; Treasury Department; Bangko Sentral.
Notes:
| (1) | The average of the monthly average exchange rates for each month of the applicable period. |
| (2) | Preliminary data for the five-month period ended May 31, 2026. |
Foreign exchange may be freely sold and purchased outside the banking system and deposited in foreign currency accounts. Both residents and non-residents may maintain foreign currency deposit accounts with authorized banks in the Philippines, and residents may maintain deposits overseas without restriction. However, foreign exchange may not be purchased from the domestic banking system for deposit in these overseas accounts.
Payments related to foreign loans registered with the Bangko Sentral and foreign investments approved by or registered with the Bangko Sentral may be serviced with foreign exchange purchased from authorized agent banks in the Philippines. The Bangko Sentral must approve and register all outgoing investments by residents
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exceeding $60 million per investor per year if the funds will be sourced from the Philippine banking system. For a discussion of the Bangko Sentral’s loan approval regime, see “The Philippine Financial System—Foreign Currency Loans.”
While the Government imposes no currency requirements for outgoing payments, all exchange proceeds from exports, services and investments must be obtained in any of 22 prescribed currencies. Authorized agent banks may convert the acceptable currencies to pesos.
Individual or corporate non-residents may open peso bank accounts without the Bangko Sentral’s approval. The export or electronic transfer out of the Philippines of peso amounts exceeding ₱50,000 requires prior authorization from the Bangko Sentral.
Since it allowed the free float of the peso on July 11, 1997, the Bangko Sentral has intervened minimally in the foreign exchange market. It has, however, adopted measures related to foreign exchange trading aimed to reduce currency speculation and combat money laundering and has issued and may continue to issue regulations to support foreign exchange liberalization.
In 2021, the average exchange rate was ₱49.255 per U.S. dollar, compared to ₱49.624 per U.S. dollar in 2020. The appreciation of the peso against the U.S. dollar in 2021 was primarily attributable to prospects of earlier U.S. monetary policy normalization, as well as uncertainties in growth outlook due to the ongoing health crisis.
In 2022, the average exchange rate was ₱54.478 per U.S. dollar, compared to ₱49.255 per U.S. dollar in 2021. The depreciation of the peso against the U.S. dollar in 2022 was primarily attributable to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against all other currencies following changes to U.S. monetary policy.
In 2023, the average exchange rate was ₱55.630 per U.S. dollar, compared to ₱54.478 per U.S. dollar in 2022. The depreciation of the peso against the U.S. dollar in 2023 was primarily attributable to certain changes to domestic monetary policy, as well as a decline in domestic inflation.
In 2024, the average exchange rate was ₱57.291 per U.S. dollar, compared to ₱55.630 per U.S. dollar in 2023. The depreciation of the peso against the U.S. dollar in 2024 was primarily attributable to the broad strengthening of the U.S. dollar amid expected delays in the policy easing cycle of the U.S. Federal Reserve due to inflation concerns.
In 2025, the average exchange rate was ₱57.505 per U.S. dollar, compared to ₱57.291 per U.S. dollar in 2024. The depreciation of the peso against the U.S. dollar in 2025 was primarily attributable to a strong U.S. dollar supported by US economic data and safe-haven demand, concerns over weakening domestic economic growth amid the infrastructure spending controversy, as well as depreciation pressures from the Bangko Sentral’s monetary policy easing.
In the five months ended May 31, 2026, the average exchange rate was ₱59.716 per U.S. dollar, compared to ₱57.277 per U.S. dollar in the five months ended May 31, 2025. The depreciation of the peso against the U.S. dollar in the five months ended May 31, 2026 was primarily attributable to the escalation of the Middle East conflict, which drove global oil prices sharply higher and widened the Philippines’ current account deficit, as well as rising inflation expectations and increased global risk aversion.
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The Philippine Financial System
Composition
The following table sets out the total resources of the Philippine financial system by category of financial institution.
| Total Resources of the Financial System(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023(2) | 2024(3) | 2025(3) | 2026(4) | |||||||||||||||||||
| (₱ in billions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Banks |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Universal/Commercial banks |
19,761 | 22,376 | 24,316 | 26,438 | 28,590 | 28,871 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Thrift banks |
1,338 | 1,028 | 1,104 | 1,170 | 1,460 | 1,478 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Digital banks |
— | — | 91 | 122 | 173 | 189 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Rural and cooperative banks(5) |
341 | 403 | 446 | 527 | 565 | 565 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total banks |
21,440 | 23,807 | 25,957 | 28,256 | 30,788 | 31,103 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non-bank financial institutions(5) |
4,917 | 5,236 | 5,561 | 5,917 | 6,347 | 6,347 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Total assets |
26,357 | 28,864 | 31,518 | 34,173 | 37,134 | 37,450 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Source: Department of Economic Statistics; Bangko Sentral.
Notes:
| (1) | Excludes assets of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. |
| (2) | Preliminary data. |
| (3) | Preliminary and revised data. |
| (4) | Preliminary data as of March 31, 2026. |
| (5) | Based on the Financial Reporting Package; assets are reported gross of allowance for probable losses and depreciation. |
| (6) | Include BSP-supervised investment houses, financing companies, investment companies, securities dealers/brokers, pawnshops, lending investors, non-stock savings and loan associations (NSSLAs), credit card companies, government non-bank financial institutions, and authorized agent banks forex corporations, wherein assets are reported gross of allowance for probable losses and net of depreciation. Data on non-bank financial institutions are based on Consolidated Statement of Condition, except for NSSLAs which is based on the Financial Reporting Package. Non-bank financial institutions also include Social Security System, Government Service Insurance System, and private insurance companies, wherein assets are reported net of allowance for probable losses and depreciation. |
The Philippine financial system consists of banks and non-bank financial institutions. Banks include all financial institutions that lend funds obtained from the public primarily through the receipt of deposits and deposit substitutes. Non-banks include financial institutions other than banks which lend, invest or place funds, or at which evidences of indebtedness or equity are deposited with or acquired by them, either for their own account or for the account of others. Non-bank financial institutions may have quasi-banking functions. Quasi-banking functions include borrowing money to relend or purchase receivables and other obligations by issuing, endorsing or accepting debt or other instruments or by entering into repurchase agreements with 20 or more lenders at any one time.
The Bangko Sentral, through its supervision and examination sector, supervises all banks and non-banks with quasi-banking functions or those with trust authorities such as investment management activities. This includes subsidiaries and affiliates of banks and quasi-banks engaged in related activities and those non-bank financial institutions placed under the effective supervision of the Bangko Sentral through special laws such as pawnshops and non-stock savings and loan associations. The Monetary Board serves as the main policy-making body and has the ultimate supervisory authority.
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Structure of the Financial System
The Philippine financial system consists of universal banks, commercial banks, thrift banks, rural banks, cooperative banks, Islamic banks, digital banks, and non-bank financial institutions. Each type of bank participates in distinct business activities and geographic markets.
Commercial banks may:
| | accept drafts and issue letters of credit; |
| | discount and negotiate promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange and other evidence of indebtedness; |
| | accept or create demand deposits; |
| | receive other types of deposits and deposit substitutes; |
| | buy and sell foreign exchange and gold or silver bullion; |
| | acquire marketable bonds and other debt securities; and |
| | lend money on a secured or unsecured basis. |
Expanded commercial banks, otherwise known as universal banks, in addition to regular commercial banking activities, may also engage in investment banking activities, invest in non-allied enterprises and own up to 100% of the equity in a thrift bank, a rural bank, a financial allied enterprise or a non-financial allied enterprise. In the case of a publicly listed universal bank, it may also own up to 100% of the voting stock of only one other universal bank or commercial bank.
As of April 30, 2026, according to preliminary data, the Republic had 44 operating universal and commercial banks.
The following table sets out the outstanding loans of universal and commercial banks classified by sector and their percentages by sector are net of Bangko Sentral’s Reverse Repurchase Agreements.
| Universal and Commercial Banks’ Outstanding; Loans by Sector (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (₱ in billions) |
(%) | (₱ in billions) |
(%) | (₱ in billions) |
(%) | (₱ in billions) |
(%) | (₱ in billions) |
(%) | (₱ in billions) |
(%) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total |
9,892.2 | 100.0 | 11,206.2 | 100.0 | 12,283.6 | 100.0 | 13,518.4 | 100.0 | 14,970.7 | 100.0 | 15,068.8 | 100.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing |
200.6 | 2.0 | 207.1 | 1.9 | 214.8 | 1.7 | 232.4 | 1.7 | 252.8 | 1.7 | 261.5 | 1.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mining and Quarrying |
37.3 | 0.4 | 39.3 | 0.4 | 44.9 | 0.4 | 55.8 | 0.4 | 70.8 | 0.5 | 73.1 | 0.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Manufacturing |
1,088.8 | 11.0 | 1,260.4 | 11.5 | 1,271.6 | 10.4 | 1,365.5 | 10.1 | 1,238.5 | 8.3 | 1,216.0 | 8.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Electricity, Gas, Steam and Air conditioning Supply |
1,046.4 | 10.6 | 1,197.7 | 11.0 | 1,273.4 | 10.4 | 1,454.6 | 10.8 | 1,846.3 | 12.3 | 2,013.2 | 13.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Water Supply, Sewerage, Waste Management and Remediation Activities |
109.7 | 1.1 | 135.8 | 1.2 | 177.1 | 1.4 | 205.5 | 1.5 | 226.4 | 1.5 | 265.3 | 1.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction |
383.5 | 3.9 | 448.0 | 4.1 | 492.4 | 4.0 | 554.4 | 4.1 | 524.8 | 3.5 | 488.6 | 3.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wholesale and Retail Trade and Repair of Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles |
1,125.8 | 11.4 | 1,269.7 | 11.6 | 1,371.4 | 11.2 | 1,509.6 | 11.2 | 1,676.7 | 11.2 | 1,624.3 | 10.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accommodation and Food Service Activities |
150.7 | 1.5 | 149.8 | 1.4 | 151.5 | 1.2 | 167.4 | 1.2 | 188.2 | 1.3 | 198.8 | 1.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transportation and Storage |
330.0 | 3.3 | 347.4 | 3.2 | 381.9 | 3.1 | 493.5 | 3.7 | 583.8 | 3.9 | 596.4 | 4.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Information and Communication |
482.0 | 4.9 | 589.0 | 5.4 | 630.9 | 5.1 | 685.1 | 5.1 | 722.7 | 4.8 | 720.8 | 4.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial and Insurance Activities |
970.6 | 9.8 | 1,039.0 | 9.5 | 987.2 | 8.0 | 1,060.4 | 7.8 | 1,106.7 | 7.4 | 1,134.4 | 7.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Universal and Commercial Banks’ Outstanding; Loans by Sector (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (₱ in billions) |
(%) | (₱ in billions) |
(%) | (₱ in billions) |
(%) | (₱ in billions) |
(%) | (₱ in billions) |
(%) | (₱ in billions) |
(%) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Real Estate Activities |
1,930.9 | 19.5 | 2,187.9 | 20.0 | 2,428.3 | 19.8 | 2,651.0 | 19.6 | 2,883.6 | 19.3 | 2,897.3 | 19.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities |
57.8 | 0.6 | 42.4 | 0.4 | 37.7 | 0.3 | 56.5 | 0.4 | 72.3 | 0.5 | 70.8 | 0.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Administrative and Support Service Activities |
31.1 | 0.3 | 39.9 | 0.4 | 43.9 | 0.4 | 47.4 | 0.4 | 49.6 | 0.3 | 47.7 | 0.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Public Administration and Defense; Compulsory Social Security |
152.6 | 1.5 | 170.3 | 1.6 | 192.7 | 1.6 | 212.1 | 1.6 | 240.5 | 1.6 | 240.1 | 1.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Education |
34.8 | 0.4 | 33.9 | 0.3 | 31.0 | 0.3 | 31.7 | 0.2 | 30.9 | 0.2 | 30.3 | 0.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Human Health and Social Work Activities |
93.2 | 0.9 | 96.7 | 0.9 | 101.8 | 0.8 | 101.3 | 0.7 | 105.4 | 0.7 | 106.0 | 0.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Arts, Entertainment and Recreation |
162.4 | 1.6 | 174.2 | 1.6 | 173.3 | 1.4 | 226.3 | 1.7 | 227.9 | 1.5 | 231.5 | 1.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Service Activities |
67.8 | 0.7 | 84.3 | 0.8 | 95.1 | 0.8 | 89.3 | 0.7 | 84.1 | 0.6 | 82.5 | 0.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Activities of Households as Employers, Undifferentiated Goods & Services Producing Activities of Households for Own Use |
67.3 | 0.7 | 69.2 | 0.6 | 18.4 | 0.1 | 16.8 | 0.1 | 30.2 | 0.2 | 23.6 | 0.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Others(3) |
1,368.8 | 13.8 | 1,624.4 | 12.2 | 2,164.4 | 17.6 | 2,301.9 | 17.0 | 2,808.4 | 18.7 | 2,746.6 | 18.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Source: Bangko Sentral.
Notes:
| (1) | Net of amortization. |
| (2) | Preliminary data as of March 31, 2026. |
| (3) | Includes loans to individuals for household consumption purposes, loans under the Bangko Sentral’s reverse repurchase arrangement and loans to non-residents. |
Rural and cooperative banks extend credit in the rural areas on reasonable terms to meet the normal credit needs of farmers, fishermen, cooperatives and merchants and, in general, the people in the rural communities. As of April 30, 2026, according to preliminary data, the Republic had 370 operating rural and cooperative banks.
As of April 30, 2026, according to preliminary data, the Republic had 42 operating thrift banks (including microfinance-oriented banks).
Thrift banks invest their capital and the savings of depositors in:
| | financing for homebuilding and home development; |
| | readily marketable debt securities; |
| | commercial papers and accounts receivables, drafts, bills of exchange, acceptances or notes arising out of commercial transactions; or |
| | short-term working capital and medium and long-term loans to small and medium-sized businesses and individuals engaged in agriculture, services, industry, housing and other financial and allied services in its market. |
As of December 31, 2025, there were 139 microfinance-oriented branches of rural banks and 15 microfinance-oriented branches of thrift banks, totaling 154 microfinance-oriented branches in the country. Microfinance-oriented banks are required at all times to hold at least 50% of their gross loan portfolio in microfinance loans. Micro finance loans are loans with principal amounts of up to ₱150,000. The loan ceiling can be further increased to ₱300,000 in the case of loans to growing microenterprises, or “Microfinance Plus,” and housing microfinance loans.
The specialized Government banks are Al-Amanah Islamic Investment Bank of the Philippines (AIIBP), Development Bank of the Philippines, and Land Bank of the Philippines. AIIBP promotes the development of the
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Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) by offering banking, financing and investment services based on Islamic banking principles and rulings. LBP was founded in 1963 in conjunction with the passage of the Agricultural Land Reform Code to finance the acquisition and distribution of agricultural estates for division and resale to small landholders. Currently, it focuses on providing financing for countryside development and poverty alleviation while striving to operate in a sustainable manner with no budgetary support from the Government. To achieve this goal, LBP maintains commercial banking operations, the profits of which are reinvested in the bank’s developmental programs and initiatives. LBP’s loan portfolio prioritizes farmers and fishermen, small and medium enterprises and microenterprises, livelihood loans and agribusiness, agri-infrastructure and other agri-and environment-related projects, socialized housing, schools and hospitals.
DBP, originally founded in 1935 as the National Loan and Investment Board and reorganized into DBP in 1958, is the primary development financial institution in the Republic. Under its charter updated in 1998, DBP is classified as a development bank and may perform all the other functions of a thrift bank. Its mission is to raise the level of competitiveness of the Republic’s economy for sustainable growth and to support infrastructure development, responsible entrepreneurship, efficient social services and protection of the environment. DBP provides banking services that cater to the medium- and long-term needs of agricultural and industrial enterprises in the Republic with an emphasis on small- and medium-scale industries.
Meanwhile, digital banks were recognized in Bangko Sentral Circular No. 1105 dated December 2, 2020 as a separate and distinct class from the existing bank classifications. They offer financial products and services that are processed end-to-end through a digital platform and/or electronic channels with no physical branches/ sub-branches or branch-lite units offering financial products and services. To date, the Bangko Sentral has approved a total of six digital banks — two of which are converting banks while the rest are new market players. All of the approved digital banks have already commenced operations in 2022 after they were issued a Certificate of Authority to Operate by the Bangko Sentral. The Bangko Sentral has issued a moratorium on the grant of additional digital bank licenses. This will allow the Bangko Sentral to closely monitor the banks’ performance and impact on the banking system including their contribution to increasing competition and expanding financial inclusion. Nonetheless, the limit on the number of digital bank licenses may be modified or lifted at any point, subject to review and approval of the Monetary Board. The Monetary Board lifted the moratorium on new digital banking licenses effective January 1, 2025 and increased the allowable number of digital banks in the Philippines from six to ten. The BSP accepted applications for up to four additional digital bank licenses before imposing a new moratorium on digital bank licensing effective December 1, 2025 pending evaluation of submitted applications. As of December 31, 2025, there were six digital banks in the Philippines.
Non-bank financial institutions are primarily long-term financing institutions, though they also facilitate short-term placements in other financial institutions. As of December 31, 2025, according to preliminary data, the Bangko Sentral regulated or supervised 2,296 non-bank financial institutions, out of which 19 were non-bank financial institutions with quasi-banking functions.
Non-Performing Loans
In view of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act mandated, among other things, the grant of debt repayment moratorium to borrowers in the Republic. As a result of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act and the disruptive economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippine banking industry experienced a significant increase in non-performing loans (“NPLs”) between December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2021. The full implementation of the Financial Institutions Strategic Transfer (“FIST”) Act in February 2021 is intended to reinforce banks’ capital and liquidity position by allowing them to dispose non-performing assets to FIST Corporations, special purpose vehicles and eligible individuals. Moreover, the FIST Act is expected to enhance the financial institutions’ risk-bearing capacity and strengthen their capability to provide financial services to productive sectors of the economy.
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The following table provides information regarding NPLs for universal and commercial banks for the periods indicated.
| Total Loans (Gross) and Non-Performing Loans by type of Bank(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, (unless otherwise stated) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026(2) | |||||||||||||||||||
| (₱ in billions, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Private Domestic Universal banks |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total loans |
8,061.1 | 9,260.2 | 9,983.6 | 11,331.7 | 12,599.0 | 12,891.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non-performing loans |
290.8 | 233.5 | 251.3 | 274.5 | 297.1 | 318.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Ratio of non-performing loans to total loans |
3.6 | % | 2.5 | % | 2.5 | % | 2.4 | % | 2.4 | % | 2.5 | % | ||||||||||||
| Other Private Commercial banks |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total loans |
387.0 | 238.7 | 265.3 | 150.2 | 160.3 | 152.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non-performing loans |
19.7 | 13.2 | 14.9 | 11.2 | 10.6 | 11.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Ratio of non-performing loans to total loans |
5.1 | % | 5.5 | % | 5.6 | % | 7.4 | % | 6.6 | % | 7.5 | % | ||||||||||||
| Government banks(3) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total loans |
1,434.5 | 1,748.8 | 2,033.6 | 2,158.8 | 2,336.1 | 2,163.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non-performing loans |
55.1 | 86.7 | 106.9 | 132.4 | 127.2 | 145.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Ratio of non-performing loans to total loans |
3.9 | % | 5.0 | % | 5.3 | % | 6.1 | % | 5.4 | % | 6.7 | % | ||||||||||||
| Foreign banks(4) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total loans |
574.5 | 554.9 | 568.9 | 561.7 | 703.1 | 735.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non-performing loans |
6.1 | 3.1 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 7.3 | 6.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Ratio of non-performing loans to total loans |
1.1 | % | 0.6 | % | 1.2 | % | 1.2 | % | 1.0 | % | 0.9 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total loans |
10,457.1 | 11,802.5 | 12,851.5 | 14,202.3 | 15,798.5 | 15,943.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total non-performing loans |
371.6 | 336.5 | 379.8 | 424.7 | 442.3 | 481.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Ratio of non-performing loans to total loans |
3.6 | % | 2.9 | % | 3.0 | % | 3.0 | % | 2.8 | % | 3.0 | % | ||||||||||||
Source: Bangko Sentral.
Notes:
| (1) | Include transactions of local banks’ foreign offices but exclude banks under liquidation. Non-performing loans in this table refer to gross non-performing loans, not net non-performing loans. |
| (2) | Preliminary data as of March 31, 2026. |
| (3) | Consist of Land Bank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines and Al-Amanah Islamic Investment Bank of the Philippines. |
| (4) | Consist of foreign banks, excluding foreign banks’ subsidiaries. |
As of December 31, 2021, the gross non-performing loan ratio was 3.6%, which was higher than the ratio of 3.1% recorded as of December 31, 2020. Non-performing loans increased by 20.3% to ₱371.6 billion as of December 31, 2021 from the ₱308.8 billion recorded as of December 31, 2020, primarily due to the effects of the then ongoing global COV1D-19 pandemic and the resulting domestic shutdowns, border controls, reduced tourism, disrupted trade and manufacturing and financial market spillovers which resulted in declining asset quality and tempered credit growth. The U/KB industry’s total loan portfolio increased by 5.4% to ₱10,457.1 billion as of December 31, 2021 from the ₱,919.5 billion recorded as of December 31, 2020.
As of December 31, 2022, the gross non-performing loan ratio was 2.9%, which was lower than the ratio of 3.6% recorded as of December 31, 2021. Non-performing loans decreased by 10.4% to ₱336.5 billion as of December 31, 2022 from the ₱371.6 billion recorded as of December 31, 2021, primarily due to easing of the
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effects of the then ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic and the gradual reopening of the economy. The U/KB industry’s total loan portfolio increased by 12.9% to ₱11,802.5 billion as of December 31, 2022 from the ₱10,457.1 billion recorded as of December 31, 2021.
As of December 31, 2023, the gross non-performing loan ratio was 3.0%, which was higher than the ratio of 2.9% recorded as of December 31, 2022. Non-performing loans increased by 12.9% to ₱379.8 billion as of December 31, 2023 from the ₱336.5 billion recorded as of December 31, 2022, primarily due to inflation and rising interest rates which weighed down borrowers’ capacity to pay. The U/KB industry’s total loan portfolio increased by 8.9% to ₱12,851.5 billion as of December 31, 2023 from the ₱11,802.5 billion recorded as of December 31, 2022.
As of December 31, 2024, according to preliminary data, the gross non-performing loan ratio was 3.0%, which was the same as the ratio of 3.0% recorded as of December 31, 2023. Non-performing loans increased by 11.8% to ₱424.7 billion as of December 31, 2024 from the ₱379.8 billion recorded as of December 31, 2023, primarily due to inflation and rising interest rates which weighed down borrowers’ capacity to pay. The U/KB industry’s total loan portfolio increased by 10.5% to ₱14,202.3 billion as of December 31, 2024 from the ₱12,851.5 billion recorded as of December 31, 2023.
As of December 31, 2025, according to preliminary data, the gross non-performing loan ratio was 2.8%, which was lower than the ratio of 3.0% recorded as of December 31, 2024. Non-performing loans increased by 4.1% to ₱442.3 billion as of December 31, 2025 from the ₱424.7 billion recorded as of December 31, 2024, primarily due to continued challenges in select economic sectors. The U/KB industry’s total loan portfolio increased by 11.2% to ₱15,798.5 billion as of December 31, 2025 from the ₱14,202.3 billion recorded as of December 31, 2024.
As of March 31, 2026, according to preliminary data, the gross non-performing loan ratio was 3.0%, which was higher than the ratio of 2.8% recorded as of December 31, 2025. Non-performing loans increased by 9.0% to ₱481.9 billion as of March 31, 2026 from the ₱442.3 billion recorded as of December 31, 2025. The U/KB industry’s total loan portfolio increased by 0.9% to ₱15,943.7 billion as of March 31, 2026 from the ₱15,798.5 billion recorded as of December 31, 2025.
Financial Sector Reforms
The Government has undertaken a number of reforms in the financial sector intended to reduce bank holdings of non-performing assets and improve the health of the banking industry in general.
The Bangko Sentral continues to build on its existing regulatory framework to align with international standards and best practices while considering domestic conditions in the Republic.
In November 2017, as part of the Bangko Sentral’s strategic initiatives to modernize the Republic’s retail payment system, increase the adoption of greater use of e-payments and to shift the Republic from a cash-heavy country to a cash-lite country, the Bangko Sentral launched the Philippine EFT System and Operations Network (“PESONet”). PESONet is an automated clearing house to allow businesses, the Government and individuals to conveniently initiate electronic funds transfers and recurring payments from accounts maintained in the Bangko Sentral supervised financial institutions.
On August 22, 2019, Republic Act No. 11439 (“Islamic Banking Act”) was signed into law. The Islamic Banking Act provides for the organization, regulation and powers of Islamic banks to be established in the Philippines. On December 27, 2019, the Bangko Sentral issued the preliminary implementing regulations under the Islamic Banking Act consisting of (a) Circular No. 1069 on the Guidelines on the Establishment of Islamic Banks and Islamic Banking Units (IB/IBUs), and (b) Circular No. 1070 on the Shari’ah Governance Framework. Moreover, the Bangko Sentral Task Force on Islamic Banking continues to conduct policy studies to implement the provisions covering prudential reporting, liquidity and capital adequacy framework, leverage ratio framework and customized training modules for Islamic banks until 2021.
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On May 25, 2021, the Bangko Sentral issued Circular No. 1116 on the Guidelines on the Management of Liquidity Risk by Islamic Banks and Islamic Banking Units. On March 23, 2022, the Bangko Sentral issued Circular No. 1139 on the Guidelines for Reporting Islamic Banking and Finance Transactions/Arrangements. On April 19, 2023, the Bangko Sentral issued Circular No. 1173 on the Modified Minimum Capitalization of Conventional Banks with Islamic Banking Unit. In line with the foregoing, the Bureau of Internal Revenue issued Revenue Regulations No. 17-2020 which implemented the tax neutrality provisions of the Islamic Banking Act. Under the issuance, Islamic banking transactions must have a parity of tax treatment of equivalent conventional banking transactions with the provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code, as amended, such that Islamic banking transactions are taxed no more heavily (and no more lightly) than conventional banking transactions.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bangko Sentral issued monetary, as well as regulatory and operational relief measures to assist the Bangko Sentral supervised financial institutions endure the effects of the COVID-19 crisis, as well as to continue their support to households and business enterprises. These time-bound measures provide incentives for the Bangko Sentral supervised financial institutions to extend financial relief to their borrowers, make credit available to consumers and particularly micro, small and medium enterprises, promote continued access to credit/financial services, support continued delivery of financial services to enable consumers to complete financial transactions during the ECQ period, and support the level of domestic liquidity.
Cognizant of the risks posed by climate-related and sustainability issues to the stability of the financial system, as well as the inherent role of the Bangko Sentral as the regulator to “lead by example”, the Sustainable Central Banking Program was pursued as part of Bangko Sentral’s Strategy Map for 2020-2023. The Bangko Sentral rolled out a two-pronged approach to sustainable finance: (1) by increasing capacity building and awareness initiatives; and (2) by mainstreaming sustainable finance through the issuance of enabling regulations. In particular, the Sustainable Finance Framework was issued which sets out the expectations of the Bangko Sentral on the integration of sustainability principles, including environmental and social risk areas, in the corporate governance and risk management frameworks, and in the strategic objectives and operations of banks.
Through its Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap 2020-2023, the Bangko Sentral is also focused on fostering an efficient, inclusive, safe and secure digital payments ecosystem. This roadmap identifies two key strategic objectives: (1) converting 50% of the total volume of retail payments into digital form and expanding the number of the financially included individuals in the Republic to 70% of all Filipino adults by 2023, and (2) increasing the availability of more innovative digital financial products and services designed to be responsive to the needs of Filipino consumers. Further, the roadmap is anchored on (1) digital payments streams, (2) digital finance infrastructure and (3) digital governance standards.
In line with this, the Bangko Sentral, under Circular No. 1105 dated December 2, 2020, introduced digital banks as a new bank classification distinct from the existing categories of banks (i.e., universal bank, commercial bank, thrift banks, rural banks, cooperative banks, and Islamic Banks). The said circular embodied the guidelines on the establishment of digital banks. The regulatory framework for digital banks is seen to support the expansion of the adoption and use of digital financial services in the Republic. This is included among the priority policy initiatives under the three-year Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap.
In June 2021, the Financial Action Task Force (“FATF”), an intergovernmental body developing and promoting policies to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, placed the Philippines on its list of jurisdictions with strategic deficiencies in their anti-money laundering (“AML”) and combating terrorism financing (“CFT”) legal and regulatory framework, also commonly referred to as the FATF’s “gray list”. On February 21, 2025, the FATF removed the Philippines from the “gray list”, noting its progress in improving its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regime.
On May 30, 2024, BSP Circular No. 1195 titled “Consumer Redress Mechanism Standards for Account-to-Account Electronic Fund Transfers under the National Retail Payment System Framework”, was approved by the
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Monetary Board. This circular establishes an effective consumer redress mechanism specifically for account-to-account electronic fund transfers, and mandates that all supervised institutions offering electronic fund transfers provide timely consumer recourse mechanisms for issues raised by consumers. The initial transitory period for compliance was set to end on December 31, 2024, but was extended to March 31, 2025, to provide financial institutions with additional time to align their systems and processes with the new standards.
On July 20, 2024, the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (“AFASA”) was passed into law. The law aims to combat financial cybercrimes, safeguard the interests of financial consumers, and uphold the integrity of the financial system. AFASA authorizes the Bangko Sentral to investigate cases involving violations of the law, apply for cybercrime warrants and orders, and request the assistance of the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police in the investigation of cases. It includes limited authority for Bangko Sentral to examine and investigate bank accounts, e-wallets, and other financial accounts involved in the prohibited acts. Responsible institutions are also given the authority to hold disputed funds in financial accounts under certain conditions; as well as initiate a coordinated verification process to validate the disputed transactions.
Foreign Currency Loans
Bangko Sentral imposes a combination of prior approval, registration and reporting requirements on all non-peso denominated loans. The regime is as follows:
| Type of Loan |
Requirements | |
Public sector loans, except short-term foreign currency deposit loans for trade financing and short-term normal interbank borrowings. |
Prior approval and reporting requirements. | |
Private sector loans guaranteed by government corporations and/or governmental financial institutions or covered by foreign exchange guarantees issued by authorized agent banks. |
||
Loans with maturities exceeding one year to be obtained by private non-bank financial institutions intended for relending to public or private sector enterprises. |
||
Other loans if to be serviced using foreign exchange purchased from an authorized agent bank or its subsidiary/affiliate foreign exchange corporation. |
||
Private sector loans which are specifically exempt from the prior approval requirement, and which will be serviced with foreign exchange purchased from the banking system. |
Subsequent registration and reporting requirements. | |
All private sector loans of resident borrowers from banks operating in the Philippines, provided that the obligations (i) are not publicly- guaranteed; and (ii) are reported by the creditor bank to the Bangko Sentral using the prescribed forms to be serviced with foreign exchange not purchased from the banking system. |
Reporting requirements. | |
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The Philippine Securities Markets
History and Development
The securities industry in the Philippines began with the opening of the Manila Stock Exchange in 1927. In 1936, the Government established the Philippine SEC to oversee the industry and protect investors. Subsequently, the Makati Stock Exchange opened in 1963 and merged with the Manila Stock Exchange to form the Philippine Stock Exchange in 1994.
In June 1998, the Philippine SEC granted the Philippine Stock Exchange self-regulatory organization status, empowering it to supervise and discipline its members, including by examining a member’s books of account and conducting audits.
To broaden the range of securities eligible for listing, the Philippine Stock Exchange established a board for small- and medium-sized enterprises with an authorized capital of ₱20.0 million to ₱99.9 million of which at least 25% must be subscribed and fully paid.
In August 2001, the Philippine Stock Exchange completed its conversion to a publicly held stock corporation. As its first shareholders, each of the 184 member-brokers subscribed and fully paid for 50,000 shares. The listing of its shares on the Philippine Stock Exchange took effect in December 2003 and 40% of the unissued shares were sold through a private placement in February 2004.
As of December 31, 2025, the Philippine Stock Exchange had 282 listed companies and 121 active trading participants.
In addition to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corporation (“PDEX”), which deals mainly with trading of foreign exchange and fixed-income securities, was granted self-regulatory organization status by the Philippine SEC in 2006. The PDEX registered a trading volume of ₱4.9 trillion of both Government and corporate securities in 2022, a 6.7% decrease from the ₱5.2 trillion registered in 2021.
For 2023, 2024 and 2025, the PDEX registered a trading volume of ₱6.0 trillion, ₱9.9 trillion and ₱15.9 trillion of both Government and corporate securities, respectively.
The PSEi closed at 6,052.92 points on December 29, 2025.
Government Securities Market
The Bureau of the Treasury currently conducts weekly public offerings of treasury bills with maturities of 91 days, 182 days and 364 days, as well as treasury bonds with maturities ranging from two years to 28.5 years.
As of December 31, 2020, outstanding Government securities amounted to ₱6.7 trillion, 51.2% of which were issuances of treasury bills and fixed rate treasury bonds. The remaining issuances of Government securities consisted of retail treasury bonds, benchmark bonds and onshore dollar bonds, among others.
As of December 31, 2021, outstanding Government securities amounted to ₱8.2 trillion, 50.3% of which were issuances of treasury bills and fixed rate treasury bonds. The remaining issuances of Government securities consisted of retail treasury bonds, benchmark bonds and onshore dollar bonds, among others.
As of December 31, 2022, outstanding Government securities amounted to ₱9.2 trillion, 49.7% of which were issuances of treasury bills and fixed rate treasury bonds. The remaining issuances of Government securities consisted of retail treasury bonds, benchmark bonds and onshore dollar bonds, among others.
As of December 31, 2023, outstanding Government securities amounted to ₱10.0 trillion, 54.4% of which were issuances of treasury bills and fixed rate treasury bonds. The remaining issuances of Government securities consisted of retail treasury bonds, benchmark bonds and onshore dollar bonds, among others.
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As of December 31, 2024, outstanding Government securities amounted to ₱10.9 trillion, 59.3% of which were issuances of treasury bills and fixed rate treasury bonds. The remaining issuances of Government securities consisted of retail treasury bonds, benchmark bonds and onshore dollar bonds, among others.
As of December 31, 2025, outstanding Government securities amounted to ₱12.1 trillion, 61.4% of which were issuances of treasury bills and fixed rate treasury bonds. The remaining issuances of Government securities consisted of retail treasury bonds, benchmark bonds and onshore dollar bonds, among others.
As of April 30, 2026, outstanding Government securities amounted to ₱12.4 trillion, 59.2% of which were issuances of treasury bills and fixed rate treasury bonds. The remaining issuances of Government securities consisted of retail treasury bonds, benchmark bonds and onshore dollar bonds, among others.
Public Finance
The Consolidated Financial Position
The consolidated public sector financial position measures the overall financial standing of the Republic’s public sector. It consists of the public sector borrowing requirement and the aggregate deficit or surplus of the Social Security System and the Government Service Insurance System, the Bangko Sentral, the GFIs and the local government units. The public sector borrowing requirement reflects the aggregate deficit or surplus of the Government, the Central Bank-Board of Liquidation’s accounts, the Oil Price Stabilization Fund and the major GOCCs.
The following table sets out the consolidated financial position on a cash basis for the periods indicated.
| Consolidated Public Sector Financial Position of the Republic | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024(1) | 2025(2) | |||||||||||||||||||
| (₱ in billions, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Public sector borrowing requirement: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| National Government |
(1,371.4 | ) | (1,670.1 | ) | (1,614.1 | ) | (1,512.1 | ) | (1,484.3 | ) | (1,537.7 | ) | ||||||||||||
| CB Restructuring |
(0.0 | ) | (0.0 | ) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | ||||||||||||||||
| Monitored Government-owned corporations |
(1.5 | ) | 37.2 | 31.9 | 64.1 | 37.7 | 23.1 | |||||||||||||||||
| Adjustment of net lending and equity to GOCCs |
22.1 | 16.4 | 25.6 | 27.8 | 28.7 | 28.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other adjustments |
0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Total public sector borrowing requirement |
(1,350.8 | ) | (1,616.4 | ) | (1,556.6 | ) | (1,420.2 | ) | (1,418.0 | ) | (1,485.9 | ) | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| As a percentage of GDP |
(7.5 | )% | (8.3 | )% | (7.1 | )% | (5.8 | )% | (5.4 | )% | (5.2 | )% | ||||||||||||
| Other public sector: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Social Security System and Government Service Insurance System |
84.1 | 190.6 | 226.0 | 273.1 | 319.5 | 360.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Bangko Sentral(3) |
(7.9 | ) | 19.8 | 47.2 | (5.4 | ) | 1.0 | 1.0 | ||||||||||||||||
| Government financial institutions |
25.9 | 29.5 | 45.1 | 49.9 | 56.5 | 64.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Local government units |
272.3 | 284.6 | 433.3 | 325.0 | 310.6 | 456.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Timing adjustment of interest payments to the Bangko Sentral |
0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other adjustments |
0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Total other public sector |
374.4 | 524.4 | 751.7 | 642.7 | 687.6 | 882.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Consolidated public sector financial position |
(976.4 | ) | (1,092.0 | ) | (804.9 | ) | (777.5 | ) | (730.3 | ) | (603.8 | ) | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| As a percentage of GDP |
(5.4 | )% | (5.6 | )% | (3.7 | )% | (3.2 | )% | (2.8 | )% | (2.1 | )% | ||||||||||||
Sources: Fiscal Policy and Planning Office; Department of Finance.
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Notes:
| (1) | Adjusted. |
| (2) | Projection. |
| (3) | Amounts are net of interest rebates, dividends and other amounts remitted to the Government and the Central Bank-Board of Liquidation. |
In 2019, the consolidated public sector financial position of the Republic recorded a deficit of ₱196.4 billion, an increase from the deficit of ₱155.3 billion recorded in 2018. The increase in deficit was largely due to an increase in the National Government’s borrowing requirements, which borrowing requirement increased from ₱558.3 billion in 2018 to ₱660.2 billion in 2019. The deficit in 2019 was equivalent to 1.0% of the Republic’s GDP in 2019 at current prices.
In 2020, the consolidated public sector financial position of the Republic recorded a deficit of ₱976.4 billion, a significant increase from the ₱196.4 billion deficit recorded in 2019. The increase in the public sector deficit was largely due to a significant increase in expenditures and decrease in tax revenues, primarily due to the then ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic. This increased the National Government’s borrowing requirements, which borrowing requirement increased from ₱660.2 billion in 2019 to ₱1,371.4 billion in 2020. The deficit in 2020 was equivalent to 5.4% of the Republic’s GDP in 2020 at current prices.
In 2021, the consolidated public sector financial position of the Republic recorded a deficit of ₱1,092.0 billion, an increase from the ₱976.4 billion deficit recorded in 2020. The increase in the public sector deficit was largely due to a significant increase in expenditures and decrease in tax revenues, primarily due to the then ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic. This increased the National Government’s borrowing requirements, which borrowing requirement increased from ₱1,371.4 billion in 2020 to ₱1,670.1 billion in 2021. The deficit in 2021 was equivalent to 5.5% of the Republic’s GDP in 2021 at current prices.
In 2022, the consolidated public sector financial position of the Republic recorded a deficit of ₱804.9 billion, a decrease from the ₱1,092.0 billion deficit recorded in 2021. The decrease in the public sector deficit was largely due to an increase in inflows from local government units and a decrease in the National Government’s borrowing requirements, which borrowing requirement decreased from ₱1,670.1 billion in 2021 to ₱1,614.1 billion in 2022 respectively. The deficit in 2022 was equivalent to 3.8% of the Republic’s GDP in 2022 at current prices.
In 2023, the consolidated public sector financial position of the Republic recorded a deficit of ₱777.5 billion, a decrease from the ₱804.9 billion deficit recorded in 2022. The decrease in the public sector deficit was largely due to an increase in inflows from the Social Security System and Government Service Insurance System and a decrease in the National Government’s borrowing requirements, which borrowing requirement decreased from ₱1,614.1 billion in 2022 to ₱1,512.1 billion in 2023, respectively. The deficit in 2023 was equivalent to 3.2% of the Republic’s GDP in 2023 at current prices.
In 2024, according to preliminary and adjusted information, the consolidated public sector financial position of the Republic recorded a deficit of ₱730.3 billion, a decrease from the ₱777.5 billion deficit recorded in 2023. The decrease in the public sector deficit was largely due to an increase in inflows from the Social Security System and Government Service Insurance System and a decrease in the National Government’s borrowing requirements, which borrowing requirement decreased from ₱1,512.1 billion in 2023 to ₱1,484.3 billion in 2024, respectively. The deficit in 2024 was equivalent to 2.8% of the Republic’s GDP in 2024 at current prices.
In 2025, the consolidated public sector financial position of the Republic is projected to record a deficit of ₱603.8 billion, a decrease from the ₱730.3 billion deficit recorded in 2024. The projected decrease in the public sector deficit is largely due to a significant increase in inflows from local government units, the Social Security System and Government Service Insurance System, and government financial institutions, which are expected to
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more than offset the projected increase in the National Government’s borrowing requirements from ₱1,484.3 billion in 2024 to ₱1,537.7 billion in 2025. The projected deficit in 2025 is equivalent to 2.1% of the Republic’s GDP in 2025 at current prices.
Government Revenues and Expenditures
The following table sets out Government revenues and expenditures for the periods indicated.
| Government Revenues and Expenditures(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Actual | Budget | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026(2) | 2024 | 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (₱ in billions, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash Revenues |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tax revenues: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bureau of Internal Revenue |
2,078.1 | 2,335.7 | 2,517.0 | 2,851.6 | 3,109.8 | 1,141.4 | 2,848.9 | 3,219.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bureau of Customs |
643.6 | 862.4 | 883.2 | 916.7 | 932.7 | 325.7 | 939.7 | 958.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Others Government offices(3) |
24.0 | 21.7 | 29.1 | 32.4 | 34.7 | 13.1 | 31.7 | 35.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
| Total tax revenues |
2,745.7 | 3,219.8 | 3,429.3 | 3,800.7 | 4,077.2 | 1,480.2 | 3,820.3 | 4,214.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As a percentage of GDP (at current market prices) |
14.1 | % | 14.6 | % | 14.1 | % | 14.4 | % | 14.6 | % | N/A | 14.42 | % | 15.04 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Non-tax revenues: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bureau of the Treasury income |
125.3 | 154.8 | 227.6 | 283.4 | 233.2 | 142.8 | 187.0 | 179.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fees and charges |
31.7 | 46.4 | 56.3 | 65.2 | 56.5 | 16.7 | 73.0 | 50.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Privatizations |
0.3 | 1.6 | 0.9 | 3.3 | 2.0 | 0.7 | 42.1 | 5.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Others (including Foreign grants) |
102.5 | 122.9 | 110.0 | 266.5 | 84.6 | 31.7 | 147.5 | 72.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
| Total non-tax revenues |
259.9 | 325.7 | 394.8 | 618.3 | 376.3 | 192.0 | 449.6 | 306.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues |
3,005.5 | 3,545.5 | 3,824.1 | 4,419.0 | 4,453.4 | 1,672.1 | 4,269.9 | 4,520.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
| Expenditures |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allotment to local government units |
892.7 | 1,103.3 | 926.1 | 1,024.1 | 1,151.9 | 489.0 | 1,012.1 | 1,128.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest payments |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign |
96.1 | 119.4 | 192.6 | 223.5 | 229.3 | 89.2 | 219.5 | 231.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic |
333.3 | 383.5 | 435.7 | 539.8 | 634.8 | 247.5 | 544.0 | 616.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
| Total interest payments |
429.4 | 502.9 | 628.3 | 763.3 | 864.1 | 336.7 | 763.4 | 848.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
| Tax expenditures |
36.7 | 39.8 | 31.7 | 51.1 | 50.4 | 5.7 | 14.5 | 14.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subsidy |
184.8 | 200.4 | 163.5 | 138.8 | 106.9 | 93.1 | 199.1 | 135.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity and net lending |
65.4 | 38.4 | 27.3 | 8.0 | 4.5 | 1.7 | 62.4 | 30.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Others |
3,066.6 | 3,275.0 | 3,559.3 | 3,940.2 | 3,852.3 | 1,070.1 | 3,702.7 | 3,925.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
| Total expenditures |
4,675.6 | 5,159.6 | 5,336.2 | 5,925.4 | 6,030.3 | 1,996.2 | 5,754.3 | 6,082.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
| Surplus/(Deficit) |
(1,670.1 | ) | (1,614.1 | ) | (1,512.1 | ) | (1,506.4 | ) | (1,576.8 | ) | (324.1 | ) | (1,484.3 | ) | (1,561.7 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Financing |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net domestic borrowings |
1,473.1 | 1,027.3 | 811.7 | 905.3 | 1,176.8 | 223.0 | 903.4 | 1,124.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross domestic borrowings |
2,010.6 | 1,643.4 | 1,634.2 | 1,923.3 | 2,110.6 | 853.4 | 1,923.9 | 2,111.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Amortization |
537.5 | 616.1 | 822.5 | 1,018.0 | 933.8 | 630.4 | 1,020.5 | 987.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net foreign borrowings |
331.5 | 389.6 | 437.9 | 401.9 | 319.6 | 195.2 | 403.4 | 269.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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|
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|
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|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
| Total net financing requirement |
1,804.6 | 1,417.0 | 1,249.7 | 1,307.2 | 1,496.4 | 418.2 | 1,306.8 | 1,393.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
| Change in cash |
134.5 | (197.2 | ) | (262.4 | ) | (199.2 | ) | (80.5 | ) | 94.2 | 177.6 | 167.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Sources: Bureau of the Treasury; Department of Finance; Department of Budget and Management.
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Notes:
| (1) | Follows the GFSM 2014 concept wherein reporting of debt amortization reflects the actual principal repayments to the creditor including those serviced by the Bond Sinking Fund. Financing includes gross proceeds of liability management transactions such as bond exchanges. |
| (2) | Preliminary data for the first four months of 2026. |
| (3) | Represents tax revenues of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Bureau of Immigration and Deportation, Land Transportation Office and other Government entities. |
| (4) | Revised data. |
Revenues
Sources
The Government derives its revenues from both tax and non-tax sources. The main sources of revenue include income taxes, value-added taxes, excise taxes and customs duties. The main sources of non-tax revenue consist of interest on deposits, amounts earned from GOCCs and privatization receipts.
Total Government revenues in 2021 were ₱3,005.5 billion, a 5.2% increase over the ₱2,856.0 billion recorded in 2020. This was primarily the result of higher actual collection by the BIR against its program targets. In 2021, Bureau of Internal Revenue collections were ₱2,078.1 billion, a 6.5% increase from the ₱1,951.0 billion recorded in 2020. The Bureau of Customs recorded collections of ₱643.6 billion in 2021, a 19.7% increase from the ₱537.7 billion recorded in 2020. Other tax revenues were ₱24.0 billion in 2021, a 29.7% increase from the ₱18.5 billion recorded in 2020. Non-tax revenues were ₱259.9 billion in 2021, a 25.5% decrease from the ₱348.7 billion recorded in 2020.
Total Government revenues in 2022 were ₱3,545.5 billion, an 18.0% increase over the ₱3,005.5 billion recorded in 2021. In 2022, Bureau of Internal Revenue collections were ₱2,335.7 billion, a 12.4% increase from the ₱2,078.1 billion recorded in 2021. The Bureau of Customs recorded collections of ₱862.4 billion in 2022, a 34.0% increase from the ₱643.6 billion recorded in 2021. Non-tax revenues were ₱325.7 billion in 2022, a 25.3% increase from the ₱259.9 billion recorded in 2021.
Total Government revenues in 2023 were ₱3,824.1 billion, a 7.9% increase over the ₱3,545.5 billion recorded in 2022. In 2023, Bureau of Internal Revenue collections were ₱2,517.0 billion, a 7.8% increase from the ₱2,335.7 billion recorded in 2022. The Bureau of Customs recorded collections of ₱883.2 billion in 2023, a 2.4% increase from the ₱862.4 billion recorded in 2022. Non-tax revenues were ₱394.8 billion in 2023, a 21.2% increase from the ₱325.7 billion recorded in 2022.
Total Government revenues in 2024 were ₱4,419.0 billion, a 15.6% increase over the ₱3,824.1 billion recorded in 2023. In 2024, Bureau of Internal Revenue collections were ₱2,851.6 billion, a 13.3% increase from the ₱2,517.0 billion recorded in 2023. The Bureau of Customs recorded collections of ₱916.7 billion in 2024, a 3.8% increase from the ₱883.2 billion recorded in 2023. Non-tax revenues were ₱618.3 billion in 2024, a 56.6% increase from the ₱394.8 billion recorded in 2023.
Total Government revenues in 2025 were ₱4,453.4 billion, a 0.8% increase over the ₱4,419.0 billion recorded in 2024. In 2025, Bureau of Internal Revenue collections were ₱3,109.8 billion, a 9.1% increase from the ₱2,851.6 billion recorded in 2024. The Bureau of Customs recorded collections of ₱932.7 billion in 2025, a 1.7% increase from the ₱916.7 billion recorded in 2024. Non-tax revenues were ₱376.3 billion in 2025, a 39.1% decrease from the ₱618.3 billion recorded in 2024, primarily due to lower income from Malampaya and other non-tax sources.
Total Government revenues in the first four months of 2026 were ₱1,672.1 billion, a 10.0% increase over the ₱1,520.2 billion recorded in the first four months of 2025. In the first four months of 2026, Bureau of
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Internal Revenue collections were ₱1,141.4 billion, a 2.7% increase from the ₱1,110.9 billion recorded in the first four months of 2025. The Bureau of Customs recorded collections of ₱325.7 billion in the first four months of 2026, a 6.4% increase from the ₱306.1 billion recorded in the first four months of 2025. Non-tax revenues were ₱192.0 billion in the first four months of 2026, a 111.6% increase from the ₱90.7 billion recorded in the first four months of 2025, primarily due to higher Bureau of the Treasury income.
Expenditures
Total Government expenditures in 2021 were ₱4,675.6 billion, a 10.6% increase over the ₱4,227.4 billion recorded in 2020. This increase was primarily due to higher disbursements relating to the Government’s efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
Total Government expenditures in the 2022 were ₱5,159.6 billion, a 10.4% increase over the ₱4,675.6 billion recorded in 2021. This increase was primarily due to higher disbursements relating to the Government’s efforts to address the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Total Government expenditures in 2023 were ₱5,336.2 billion, a 3.4% increase over the ₱5,159.6 billion recorded in 2022. This increase was primarily due to higher disbursements in allotment to local government units and other national Government expenditures. Total expenditures in 2023 were 2.1% higher than the program target of ₱5,228.4 billion for the year.
Total Government expenditures in 2024 were ₱5,925.4 billion, an 11.0% increase over the ₱5,336.2 billion recorded in 2023. This increase was primarily due to higher interest payments and other national Government expenditures.
Total Government expenditures in 2025 were ₱6,030.3 billion, a 1.8% increase over the ₱5,925.4 billion recorded in 2024. This increase was primarily due to higher allotment to local government units and interest payments. Total expenditures in 2025 were 0.9% lower than the program target of ₱6,082.1 billion for the year.
Total Government expenditures in the first four months of 2026 were ₱1,996.2 billion, a 5.1% increase over the ₱1,899.0 billion recorded in the first four months of 2025. This increase was primarily due to higher allotment to local government units and subsidy disbursements.
The Government Budget
The Budget Process
The Administrative Code of 1987 requires the Government to formulate and implement a national budget. The President submits the budget to Congress within 30 days of the opening of each regular session of Congress, which occurs on the fourth Monday of each July. The House of Representatives reviews the budget and transforms it into a general appropriations bill. The Senate then reviews the budget. A conference committee composed of members of both houses of Congress then formulates a common version of the bill. Once both houses approve the budget, the bill goes to the President for signing as a general appropriations act.
Prior to fiscal year 2019, the Government formulated budgets with an obligation-based appropriations system. Obligation-based appropriations authorize the delivery of goods and services, as well as the payment of obligations for so long as there is an existing valid contract. There is no time limit within which the appropriation must be spent, or the goods/services provided. As a consequence, the Government must provide funds to pay the supplier upon acceptance of deliveries even beyond the validity of the appropriation.
Starting in fiscal year 2019, the Government adopted a cash-based appropriations system in order to encourage the timely completion of projects.
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Cash-based appropriations authorize agencies to incur contractual obligations and disburse payments for goods delivered and services rendered and inspected only within the fiscal year.
2026 Budget
On January 5, 2026, President Marcos signed into law Republic Act No. 12314, or the General Appropriations Act for 2026. The 2026 budget sets program expenditures at ₱6.793 trillion, 7.4% higher than the ₱6.326 trillion 2025 budget. This budget is anchored on the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 and AmBisyon Natin 2040, representing a pivotal shift toward a people-centered economy that prioritizes long-term human capital development and broadens opportunities for Filipinos. The 2026 budget is the Republic’s main fiscal instrument to sustain momentum in education reform, health protection, food security, social protection, and job creation, with education receiving the highest allocation at ₱1.345 trillion (equivalent to 4.36% of GDP, meeting the UNESCO Education 2030 Framework benchmark), healthcare receiving a record ₱448.125 billion to advance Universal Health Care, and agriculture allocated ₱297.102 billion to strengthen food security—while also upholding fiscal discipline, as the President vetoed ₱92.5 billion worth of unprogrammed appropriations to tighten safeguards on public spending and ensure that the 2026 budget supports the administration’s goal of reducing poverty to single-digit levels by 2028.
Debt
External Debt
For foreign borrowings by the private sector, Bangko Sentral approval is required if the loans (i) are guaranteed by the public sector; or (ii) will be serviced with foreign exchange from the Philippine banking system.
The following table sets out the total outstanding Bangko Sentral-approved and registered external debt.
| Bangko Sentral Approved External Debt As of December 31, |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025(1) | |||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| By Maturity: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term(2) |
14,209 | 15,090 | 16,619 | 17,096 | 20,945 | 20,233 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Medium and long-term |
84,279 | 91,339 | 94,649 | 108,298 | 116,683 | 127,417 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Total |
98,488 | 106,428 | 111,268 | 125,394 | 137,628 | 147,651 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| By Debtor(3) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Banking system |
21,559 | 23,539 | 23,673 | 24,239 | 28,280 | 28,976 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Public sector(4) |
76,929 | 82,889 | 87,596 | 101,154 | 109,348 | 118,675 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Total |
98,488 | 106,428 | 111,268 | 125,394 | 137,628 | 147,651 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| By Creditor Type: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Banks and financial institutions |
24,006 | 23,695 | 25,446 | 28,664 | 31,218 | 31,610 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Suppliers |
3,136 | 3,687 | 3,994 | 4,328 | 4,525 | 4,121 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Multilateral |
21,407 | 27,125 | 29,375 | 33,105 | 37,499 | 41,393 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Bilateral |
12,752 | 12,508 | 12,835 | 15,196 | 16,619 | 18,849 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Bond holders/note holders |
35,028 | 36,940 | 36,817 | 40,946 | 45,109 | 48,946 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Others |
2,160 | 2,474 | 2,802 | 3,154 | 2,659 | 2,731 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Total |
98.488 | 106,428 | 111,268 | 125,394 | 137,628 | 147,651 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Ratios: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt service burden to exports of goods, and services & primary income |
6.7 | % | 7.5 | % | 6.3 | % | 10.2 | % | 11.5 | % | 8.3 | %(6) | ||||||||||||
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| Bangko Sentral Approved External Debt As of December 31, |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025(1) | |||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt service burden to GNI(5) |
1.9 | % | 2.2 | % | 2.0 | % | 3.0 | % | 3.3 | % | 2.4 | % | ||||||||||||
| External debt to GNI(5) |
25.3 | % | 26.1 | % | 26.0 | % | 25.8 | % | 26.4 | % | 26.4 | % | ||||||||||||
Source: Bangko Sentral.
Notes:
| (1) | Preliminary data as of December 31, 2025. |
| (2) | Debt with original maturity of one year or less. |
| (3) | Classification by debtor is based on the primary obligor under the relevant loan or rescheduling documentation. |
| (4) | Includes public sector debt whether or not guaranteed by the Government; does not include public banks. |
| (5) | For comparability with annual figures, GNI and GDP were annualized by taking the sum over the past four quarters of the GNI and GDP, respectively. |
| (6) | Preliminary data from BSP website. |
Government Financing Initiatives
The following are the major program loans approved by creditor agencies or availed of by the Government from 2020 to December 2025.
| Program Loan |
Creditor |
Amount |
Date Signed | |||
| ($) unless otherwise specified |
||||||
| COVID-19 Active Response and Expenditure Support Program | ADB | 1,500 million | April 2020 | |||
| Third Disaster Risk Management DPL | WB-IBRD | 500 million | April 2020 | |||
| Support to Capital Market Generated Infrastructure Financing, Subprogram 1 | ADB | 400 million | June 2020 | |||
| Expanded Social Assistance Program | ADB | 500 million | June 2020 | |||
| COVID-19 Active Response and Expenditure Support Program | AIIB | 750 million | June 2020 | |||
| Expanding Private Participation in Infrastructure Program, Subprogram 2 | Agence Française de Développement |
EUR 150 million | June 2020 | |||
| Inclusive Finance Development Program, Subprogram 2 | Agence Française de Développement |
EUR 100 million | June 2020 | |||
| Emergency COVID-19 Response DPL | WB-IBRD | 500 million | June 2020 | |||
| COVID-19 Crisis Response Emergency Support Loan | JICA | JPY 50 billion | July 2020 | |||
| Competitive and Inclusive Agriculture Development Program, Subprogram 1 | ADB | 400 million | August 2020 | |||
| Inclusive Development Program, Subprogram 2 | ADB | 300 million | August 2020 | |||
| Disaster Resilience Improvement Program | ADB | 500 million | September 2020 | |||
| Post Disaster Stand-by Loan (Phase 2) | JICA | JPY 50 billion | September 2020 | |||
| Program Loan for COVID-19 Emergency Response Program | KEXIM-EDCF | 100 million | October 2020 | |||
| Promoting Competitiveness and Enhancing Resilience to Natural Disasters Subprogram 2 DPL | WB-IBRD | 600 million | December 2020 |
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| Program Loan |
Creditor |
Amount |
Date Signed | |||
| ($) unless otherwise specified |
||||||
| Philippines First Financial Sector Reform DPL | WB-IBRD | 400 million | December 2020 | |||
| Facilitating Youth School-to-Work Transition Program, Subprogram 3 | ADB | 400 million | December 2020 | |||
| Second Health System Enhancement to Address and Limit COVID-19 under the Asia Pacific Vaccine Access Facility | AIIB | 300 million | March 2021 | |||
| Philippines First Financial Sector Reform DPL | WB-IBRD | 400 million | July 2021 | |||
| Facilitating Youth School to Work Program, Subprogram 3 | ADB | 400 million | August 2021 | |||
| Local Governance Reform Program, Subprogram 2 | ADB | 400 million | November 2021 | |||
| Philippines Fourth Disaster Risk Management DPL with a Catastrophe- Deferred Drawdown Option | WB-IBRD | 500 million | November 2021 | |||
| Disaster Risk Reduction Enhancement At Local Level Program | Agence Française de Developpement |
EUR 250 million | December 2021 | |||
| Build Universal Health Care Program, Subprogram 1 | ADB | 600 million | December 2021 | |||
| Promoting Competitiveness and Enhancing Resilience to Natural Disasters Subprogram 3 DPL | WB-IBRD | 600 million | December 2021 | |||
| Program Loan for COVID-19 Emergency Response Program (II) – Vaccination Program | KEXIM-EDCF | 100 million | December 2021 | |||
| Second Health System Enhancement to Address and Limit COVID-19 under the Asia Pacific Vaccine Access Facility – Additional Financing | AIIB | 250 million | December 2021 | |||
| COVID-19 Crisis Response Emergency Support Loan (Phase 2) | JICA | JPY 30 billion | April 2022 | |||
| Climate Change Action Program, Subprogram 1 | ADB | 250 million | June 2022 | |||
| Support to Capital Market Generated Infrastructure Financing, Subprogram 2 | ADB | 400 million | June 2022 | |||
| Climate Change Action Program, Subprogram 1 | Agence Française de Développement | EUR 150 million | December 2022 | |||
| Competitive and Inclusive Agriculture Development Program, Subprogram 2 | ADB | 500 million | February 2023 | |||
| Post-COVID-19 Business and Employment Recovery Program, Subprogram 1 | ADB | 500 million | February 2023 | |||
| Second Philippines Financial Sector Reform DPL | WB-IBRD | 600 million | February 2023 | |||
| Post-COVID-19 Business and Employment Recovery Program, Subprogram 1 | AIIB | 500 million | May 2023 | |||
| Philippines First Sustainable Recovery DPL | WB-IBRD | 750 million | June 2023 |
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| Program Loan |
Creditor |
Amount |
Date Signed | |||
| ($) unless otherwise specified |
||||||
| Post Disaster Stand-by Loan (Phase 3) (PDSL 3) | JICA | JPY 30 billion | August 2023 | |||
| Inclusive Finance Development Program, Subprogram 3 | ADB | 300 million | November 2023 | |||
| Philippines First Digital Transformation DPL | WB-IBRD | 600 million | November 2023 | |||
| Domestic Resource Mobilization Program, Subprogram 1 | ADB | 400 million | December 2023 | |||
| Build Universal Health Care Program, Subprogram 2 | ADB | EUR equivalent of 450 million |
December 2023 | |||
| Inclusive Finance Development Program, Subprogram 3 | AIIB | 300 million | December 2023 | |||
| Domestic Resource Mobilization, Subprogram 1 | AIIB | 400 million | December 2023 | |||
| Philippines Disaster Risk Management and Climate DPL with a Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option | WB-IBRD | 500 million | December 2023 | |||
| Philippines First Digital Transformation DPL | AIIB | EUR equivalent of USD400 million |
January 2024 | |||
| Build Universal Health Care Program, Subprogram 2 | AIIB | EUR equivalent of USD400 million |
January 2024 | |||
| Philippines Second Sustainable Recovery DPL | WB-IBRD | EUR equivalent of USD750 million |
August 2024 | |||
| Philippines Second Digital Transformation DPL | WB-IBRD | EUR equivalent of USD750 million |
November 2024 | |||
| Climate Change Action Program—Subprogram 2 | ADB | EUR equivalent of USD 500 million |
December 2024 | |||
| Public Financial Management Reform Program - Subprogram 1 | ADB | USD 500 million | December 2024 | |||
| Second Disaster Resilience Improvement Program | ADB | USD 500 million | February 2025 | |||
| Business and Employment Recovery Program, Subprogram 2 |
ADB | USD 500 million | March 2025 | |||
| Climate Change Action Program, Subprogram 2 (CCAP 2) |
JICA | JPY 35 billion | March 2025 | |||
| Build Universal Health Care Program (Subprogram 2) (BUHC 2) | JICA | JPY 30 billion | March 2025 | |||
| Philippines First Energy Transition and Climate Resilience DPL (ETCR DPL1) | WB-IBRD | USD 800 million | April 2025 | |||
| Climate Change Action Program, Subprogram 2 | AFD | EUR 250 million | April 2025 | |||
| Insurance Reform Program, Subprogram 1 | ADB | JPY equivalent of USD 400 million | November 2025 | |||
| Business Environment Strengthening with Technology Program, SP1 | ADB | JPY equivalent of USD 400 million |
December 2025 | |||
| Marine Ecosystems for Blue Economy Development Program, SP1 | ADB | JPY equivalent of USD 500 million |
December 2025 |
Source: International Finance Group, Department of Finance. As of December 31, 2025.
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Public Sector Debt
The following table presents the Republic’s outstanding consolidated public sector debt as of the dates indicated.
| Outstanding Consolidated Public Sector Debt(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024(2) | |||||||||||||||||||
| (₱ in billions, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding Consolidated non-financial public sector debt: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic |
4,280.4 | 5,771.3 | 7,097.2 | 8,021.7 | 8,711.5 | 9,472.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign |
2,728.9 | 3,201.7 | 3,592.9 | 4,226.6 | 4,609.2 | 5,060.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total |
7,009.3 | 8,973.0 | 10,690.1 | 12,248.3 | 13,320.7 | 14,532.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Financial public corporations |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bangko Sentral:(3) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic |
3,868.3 | 4,868.7 | 4,673.1 | 4,564.9 | 4,754.5 | 4,819.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign |
193.2 | 183.5 | 322.1 | 337.6 | 340.9 | 351.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Total |
4,061.5 | 5,052.3 | 4,995.2 | 4,902.5 | 5,095.4 | 5,171.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|||||||||||||
| GFIs:(4) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic |
33.1 | 56.0 | 43.6 | 30.2 | 23.6 | 31.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign |
130.7 | 113.9 | 104.2 | 117.7 | 85.2 | 67.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Total |
163.8 | 169.9 | 147.8 | 147.9 | 108.9 | 98.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Domestic |
3,901.4 | 4,924.7 | 4,716.7 | 4,595.1 | 4,778.1 | 4,850.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign |
323.9 | 297.4 | 426.3 | 455.2 | 426.1 | 418.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Total |
4,225.3 | 5,222.1 | 5,143.0 | 5,050.4 | 5,204.3 | 5,269.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Less: Intrasector-debt holdings |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Government securities held by GFIs and Bangko Sentral |
908.7 | 2,131.5 | 2,539.1 | 2,640.8 | 2,481.0 | 2,396.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Government deposits at Bangko Sentral |
159.9 | 798.6 | 907.6 | 431.8 | 379.8 | 318.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
| GFIs deposits at Bangko Sentral |
502.7 | 740.1 | 698.6 | 638.2 | 484.1 | 434.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| GOCC deposits at Bangko Sentral |
0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.42 | 0.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| GOCC loans/other debt held by GFIs |
161.2 | 183.6 | 189.4 | 195.4 | 184.7 | 179.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
| GFIs loans/other debt held by Bangko Sentral |
53.6 | 36.0 | 36.0 | 27.6 | 27.3 | 27.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Local governments debt held by GFIs |
87.8 | 93.9 | 120.0 | 160.0 | 188.3 | 219.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Total |
1,874.1 | 3,983.7 | 4,490.6 | 4,093.9 | 3,746.7 | 3,574.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Foreign |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Government’s securities held by Bangko Sentral |
85.9 | 92.4 | 87.5 | 78.6 | 78.7 | 70.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Total |
1,960.0 | 4,076.1 | 4,578.1 | 4,1272.5 | 3,825.4 | 3,645.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Total public sector |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic |
6,307.7 | 6,720.2 | 7,323.3 | 8,522.9 | 9,743.0 | 10,748.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign |
2,966.9 | 3,402.1 | 3,931.7 | 4,603.3 | 4,956.7 | 5,408.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Total |
9,274.6 | 10,122.3 | 11,255.0 | 13,126.2 | 14,699.7 | 16,156.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Sources: Fiscal Policy and Planning Office; Department of Finance.
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Note:
| (1) | The consolidated public sector comprises the general government sector, non-financial public corporations, and financial public corporations, after elimination of intra-debt holdings among these sectors. |
| (2) | Preliminary data. Data as of December 31, 2025 is not yet available. |
| (3) | Comprises all liabilities of Bangko Sentral (including currency issues) except for allocation of SDRs and revaluation of international reserves. Reclassified Other Foreign Currency Deposits from foreign debt to domestic debt based on findings of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas – International Operations Department (BSP-IOD) on February 2026. |
| (4) | Comprises all liabilities of DBP, LBP, and Trade & Investment Development Corporation. |
The following table presents the Republic’s outstanding consolidated non-financial public sector debt as of the dates indicated.
| Outstanding Consolidated Non-financial Public Sector Debt(1) As of December 31, |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||
| (₱ in billions, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total(3) |
7,009.3 | 8,973.0 | 10,690.1 | 12,248.3 | 13,320.7 | 14,532.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic |
4,280.4 | 5,771.3 | 7,097.2 | 8,021.7 | 8,711.5 | 9,472.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign |
2,728.9 | 3,201.7 | 3,592.9 | 4,226.6 | 4,609.2 | 5,060.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
| National Government |
7,731.3 | 9,795.0 | 11,728.5 | 13,418.9 | 14,616.3 | 16,051.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic |
5,127.6 | 6,694.7 | 8,170.4 | 9,208.4 | 10,017.9 | 10,930.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign |
2,603.7 | 3,100.3 | 3,558.1 | 4,210.5 | 4,598.3 | 5,120.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non-financial public corporations (major GOCCs)(4) |
430.2 | 399.7 | 367.3 | 347.4 | 301.4 | 297.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic(4) |
236.7 | 234.2 | 246.7 | 236.7 | 192.6 | 253.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign(4) |
193.6 | 165.5 | 120.6 | 110.7 | 108.7 | 44.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Extrabudgetary: NIA and PNR |
1.2 | 1.1 | 1.0 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 0.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic |
0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign |
1.2 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 0.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Local government units(5) |
107.2 | 113.1 | 136.6 | 174.5 | 200.9 | 231.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic |
107.2 | 113.1 | 136.6 | 174.5 | 200.9 | 231.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign |
0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Government debt held by Bond Sinking Funds)(6) |
562.0 | 640.0 | 698.6 | 706.3 | 696.8 | 727.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic |
497.4 | 579.5 | 616.7 | 616.3 | 603.6 | 627.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign |
64.6 | 60.5 | 81.9 | 90.0 | 93.3 | 100.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Intra-sector debt holdings (domestic) |
623.4 | 638.2 | 801.2 | 952.5 | 1,084.6 | 1,306.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Government debt held by SSIs |
613.9 | 628.6 | 791.9 | 943.8 | 1,076.9 | 1,298.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Government debt held by LGUs |
0.01 | 0.01 | 0.00 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| LGU loans held by MDFO |
9.5 | 9.6 | 9.3 | 8.7 | 7.7 | 7.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Government debt held by GOCCs |
25.1 | 11.2 | 9.7 | 8.8 | 2.4 | 1.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Onlending from National Government to GOCCs |
45.3 | 41.8 | 28.9 | 20.3 | 9.4 | 7.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Infra-sector debt holdings (external) |
4.9 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 5.4 | 5.4 | 5.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
| GOCCs debt held by National Government |
4.9 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 5.4 | 5.4 | 5.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total (as % of GDP) |
47.5 | % | 56.4 | % | 58.0 | % | 59.6 | % | 60.5 | % | 61.1 | % | ||||||||||||
| Domestic (as % of GDP) |
32.3 | % | 37.4 | % | 37.7 | % | 38.7 | % | 40.1 | % | 40.6 | % | ||||||||||||
| Foreign (as % of GDP) |
15.2 | % | 19.0 | % | 20.3 | % | 20.9 | % | 20.4 | % | 20.5 | % | ||||||||||||
Sources: Fiscal Policy and Planning Office; Department of Finance.
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Notes:
| (1) | The consolidated non-financial public sector comprises the general government sector and non-financial public corporations. The consolidated non-financial public sector does not include financial public corporations. |
| (2) | Preliminary data. Data as of December 31, 2025 is not yet available. |
| (3) | Government debt under the revised methodology excludes contingent obligations. |
| (4) | Excludes extrabudgetary items ((National Irrigation Authority (NIA) and Philippine National Railways (PNR)). |
| (5) | Borrowings from private banks guaranteed by the LGUs since the fourth quarter of 2016. |
| (6) | Including Securities Stabilization Fund and adjustment in the Government debt held by the Bond Sinking Fund. |
As of December 31, 2020, the outstanding consolidated public sector debt was ₱10.1 trillion, equivalent to 56.4% of the Republic’s GDP, compared with a public sector-debt-to-GDP ratio of 47.5% as of December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2020, total outstanding consolidated General Government (“GG”) debt was ₱8.6 trillion, reflecting a 29.7% increase over the ₱6.7 trillion recorded as of December 31, 2019. Total domestic GG debt increased by 35.9% to ₱5.6 trillion as of December 31, 2020 from ₱4.1 trillion as of December 31, 2019. Foreign GG debt increased by 2.0% to ₱3.0 trillion as of December 31, 2019 from ₱2.5 trillion as of December 31, 2019. The overall increase in Government debt was attributed to an increase in borrowings and issuances of securities by the Government during the period from December 31, 2019 to December 31, 2020.
As of December 31, 2021, the outstanding consolidated public sector debt was ₱11.3 trillion, equivalent to 58.0% of the Republic’s GDP, compared with a public sector-debt-to-GDP ratio of 56.4% as of December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2021, total outstanding consolidated GG debt was ₱10.4 trillion, reflecting a 20.1% increase over the ₱8.6 trillion recorded as of December 31, 2020. Total domestic GG debt increased by 23.2% to ₱6.9 trillion as of December 31, 2021 from ₱5.6 trillion as of December 31, 2020. Foreign GG debt increased by 14.4% to ₱3.5 trillion as of December 31, 2021 from ₱.0 trillion as of December 31, 2020. The overall increase in Government debt was attributed to an increase in borrowings and issuances of securities by the Government during the period from December 31, 2020 to December 31, 2021.
As of December 31, 2022, the outstanding consolidated public sector debt was ₱13.1 trillion, equivalent to 59.7% of the Republic’s GDP, compared with a public sector-debt-to-GDP ratio of 58.0% as of December 31, 2021. As of December 31, 2022, total outstanding consolidated GG debt was ₱11.9 trillion, reflecting a 15.1% increase over the ₱10.4 trillion recorded as of December 31, 2021. Total domestic GG debt increased by 13.4% to ₱7.8 trillion as of December 31, 2022 from ₱6.9 trillion as of December 31, 2021. Foreign GG debt increased by 18.5% to ₱4.1 trillion as of December 31, 2022 from ₱3.5 trillion as of December 31, 2021.
As of December 31, 2023, the outstanding consolidated public sector debt was ₱14.7 trillion, equivalent to 60.5% of the Republic’s GDP, compared with a public sector-debt-to-GDP ratio of 59.6% as of December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2023, total outstanding consolidated GG debt was ₱13.0 trillion, reflecting an 8.8% increase over the ₱11.9 trillion recorded as of December 31, 2022. Total domestic GG debt increased by 9.0% to ₱8.5 trillion as of December 31, 2023 from ₱7.8 trillion as of December 31, 2022. Foreign GG debt increased by 12.2% to ₱5.0 trillion as of December 31, 2023 from ₱4.1 trillion as of December 31, 2022.
As of December 31, 2024, the outstanding consolidated public sector debt was ₱16.2 trillion, equivalent to 61.1% of the Republic’s GDP, compared with a public sector-debt-to-GDP ratio of 60.5% as of December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2024, total outstanding consolidated GG debt was ₱14.2 trillion, reflecting a 9.3% increase over the ₱13.0 trillion recorded as of December 31, 2023. Total domestic GG debt increased by 8.2% to ₱9.2 trillion as of December 31, 2024 from ₱8.5 trillion as of December 31, 2023. Foreign GG debt increased by 11.4% to ₱5.0 trillion as of December 31, 2024 from ₱4.5 trillion as of December 31, 2023.
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Direct Debt of the Republic
The following table summarizes the outstanding direct debt of the Republic as of the dates indicated.
| Outstanding Direct Debt of the Republic(1)(2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026(3) | |||||||||||||||||||
| (₱ in millions, except as otherwise indicated) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Medium/long-term debt(4) |
10,932,406 | 13,008,499 | 14,071,375 | 15,297,134 | 16,797,346 | 17,476,559 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic |
7,374,271 | 8,798,026 | 9,473,038 | 10,176,247 | 11,205,785 | 11,421,331 | ||||||||||||||||||
| External (U.S.$ million) |
69,803 | 75,436 | 82,976 | 88,525 | 95,111 | 98,395 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term debt(5) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic |
796,143 | 410,361 | 544,892 | 754,168 | 910,468 | 994,059 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Total debt |
11,728,549 | 13,418,860 | 14,616,267 | 16,051,302 | 17,707,814 | 18,470,618 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Sources: Bureau of the Treasury; Department of Finance.
Notes:
| (1) | Includes Government debt that is on-lent to GOCCs and other public sector entities. Excludes debt guaranteed by the Government and debt originally guaranteed by other public sector entities for which the guarantee has been assumed by the Government. The table reflects debt of the Government only and does not include any other public sector debt. |
| (2) | Amounts in original currencies were translated into U.S. dollars or pesos, using the Bangko Sentral’s reference exchange rates at the end of each period. |
| (3) | Preliminary data as of April 30, 2026. |
| (4) | Debt with original maturities of one year or longer. |
| (5) | Debt with original maturities of less than one year. |
Direct Domestic Debt of the Republic
The following table summarizes the outstanding direct domestic debt of the Republic as of the dates indicated.
| Outstanding Direct Domestic Debt of the Republic(1)(2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026(3) | |||||||||||||||||||
| (₱ in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Direct |
156 | 156 | 156 | 156 | 156 | 156 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Assumed(4) |
792 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total loans |
948 | 156 | 156 | 156 | 156 | 156 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Securities |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Treasury bills |
949,478 | 796,143 | 410,361 | 754,168 | 910,468 | 994,059 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Treasury notes/bonds |
5,744,261 | 7,374,115 | 8,797,870 | 10,176,090 | 11,205,629 | 11,421,175 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Total securities |
6,693,739 | 8,170,258 | 9,208,231 | 10,930,258 | 12,116,097 | 12,415,234 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Total debt |
9,795,006 | 11,728,549 | 13,418,860 | 16,051,302 | 17,707,814 | 18,470,595 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Sources: Bureau of the Treasury; Department of Finance.
Notes:
| (1) | Includes Government debt that is on-lent to GOCCs and other public sector entities. Excludes debt guaranteed by the Government and debt originally guaranteed by other public sector entities for which the |
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| guarantee has been assumed by the Government. The table reflects debt of the Government only, and does not include any other public sector debt. |
| (2) | Amounts in original currencies were translated into U.S. dollars or pesos, as applicable, using the Bangko Sentral’s reference exchange rates at the end of each period. |
| (3) | Preliminary data as of April 30, 2026. Amounts in original currencies were translated into U.S. dollars or pesos, as applicable, using Bangko Sentral’s reference exchange rates as of May 4, 2026, which was the next business day following the end of the period indicated. |
| (4) | Assumed loans of Development Bank of the Philippines, the National Development Company and the Philippine National Bank. |
The following table sets out the direct domestic debt service requirements of the Republic for the years indicated.
| Direct Domestic Debt Service Requirements of the Republic(1) | ||||||||||||||||
| Principal Repayments |
Interest Payments |
Total(2) | ||||||||||||||
| (₱ in millions) | (₱ in millions) | ($ in millions) | ||||||||||||||
| 2021 |
537,450 | 333,335 | 870,785 | 17,150 | ||||||||||||
| 2022 |
659,834 | 383,452 | 1,043,286 | 18,590 | ||||||||||||
| 2023 |
854,165 | 435,742 | 1,289,907 | 23,214 | ||||||||||||
| 2024 |
1,018,036 | 539,829 | 1,557,865 | 26,853 | ||||||||||||
| 2025 |
1,015,363 | 634,846 | 1,650,209 | 28,070 | ||||||||||||
| 2026(3) |
889,338 | 707,477 | 1,596,815 | 28,014 | ||||||||||||
Sources: Bureau of the Treasury; Department of Finance.
Notes:
| (1) | Excludes debt service in respect of Government debt that is on-lent to GOCCs and other public sector entities guaranteed by the Government and debt originally guaranteed by other public sector entities for which the guarantee has been assumed by the Government. |
| (2) | Amounts in pesos were translated into U.S. dollars using the applicable Bangko Sentral reference exchange rates at the end of each period. |
| (3) | Projection based on Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing FY 2026. Amounts in pesos were translated into U.S dollar using the exchange rate (₱57.0/USD-midpoint) approved by the Development Budget Coordination Committee. Principal payment includes settlement of promissory note to BSP for advances made in 2016 to cover increase in IMF quota subscription. |
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Direct External Debt of the Republic
The following table summarizes the outstanding direct external debt of the Republic as of the dates indicated.
| Outstanding Direct External Debt of the Republic(1)(2) As of December 31, |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025(3) | 2026(4) | |||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Multilateral |
22,574 | 25,155 | 28,890 | 33,212 | 36,638 | 37,979 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Bilateral |
8,308 | 8,581 | 9,254 | 8,949 | 10,464 | 10,750 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Total loans |
30,883 | 33,737 | 38,144 | 42,161 | 47,102 | 48,729 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Securities: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Euro Bonds |
4,609 | 4,320 | 3,811 | 3,573 | 4,463 | 4,462 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Yen Bonds |
1,687 | 1,787 | 1,615 | 966 | 967 | 967 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Philippine Peso Global Bonds |
1,679 | 981 | 988 | 947 | 932 | 890 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Chinese Yuan Bonds |
392 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Dollar Bonds |
30,553 | 34,611 | 37,418 | 39,878 | 40,647 | 42,348 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Islamic Certificates |
0 | 0 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Total securities |
38,920 | 41,699 | 44,832 | 46,364 | 48,009 | 49,666 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Total |
69,803 | 75,436 | 82,976 | 88,525 | 95,111 | 98,395 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Sources: Bureau of the Treasury; Department of Finance.
Notes:
| (1) | Includes Government debt that is on-lent to GOCCs and other public sector entities. Excludes debt guaranteed by the Government and debt originally guaranteed by other public sector entities for which the guarantee has been assumed by the Government. The table reflects debt of the Government only, and does not include any other public sector debt. |
| (2) | Amounts in original currencies were translated into U.S. dollars using the applicable Bangko Sentral reference exchange rates at the end of each period. |
| (3) | Preliminary data as of December 31, 2025. |
| (4) | Preliminary data as of April 30, 2026. |
The following table sets out, by designated currency and the equivalent amount in U.S. dollars, the outstanding direct external debt of the Republic as of the date indicated.
| Summary of Outstanding Direct External Debt of the Republic by Currency(1) As of December 31, 2025 |
||||||||||||
| Amount in Original Currency |
Equivalent Amount in $(2) |
% of Total |
||||||||||
| (in millions, unless otherwise indicated, except percentages) |
||||||||||||
| U.S. dollar |
74,868 | 74,868 | 78.72 | % | ||||||||
| Japanese yen |
1,411,703 | 9,011 | 9.47 | % | ||||||||
| Euro |
8,246 | 9,686 | 10.18 | % | ||||||||
| Peso |
54,770 | 932 | 0.98 | % | ||||||||
| Other currencies |
— | 614 | 0.65 | % | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
| Total |
— | 95,111 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Sources: Bureau of the Treasury; Department of Finance.
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Notes:
| (1) | Includes Government debt that is on-lent to GOCCs and other public sector entities. Excludes debt guaranteed by the Government and debt originally guaranteed by other public sector entities for which the guarantee has been assumed by the Government. The table reflects debt of the Government only and does not include any other public sector debt. |
| (2) | Amounts in original currencies were translated into U.S. dollars using Bangko Sentral’s reference exchange rates as of January 2, 2026, which was the next business day following the end of the period indicated. |
The following table sets out the direct external debt service requirements of the Republic for the years indicated.
| Direct External Debt Service Requirements of the Republic(1) |
||||||||||||
| Year |
Principal Repayments |
Interest Payments |
Total | |||||||||
| ($ in millions) | ||||||||||||
| 2021(2) |
4,671 | 1,893 | 6,564 | |||||||||
| 2022(2) |
2,325 | 2,128 | 4,453 | |||||||||
| 2023(2) |
2,180 | 3,466 | 5,646 | |||||||||
| 2024(2) |
4,125 | 3,852 | 7,977 | |||||||||
| 2025(2) |
3,910 | 3,935 | 7,845 | |||||||||
| 2026(2)(3) |
2,917 | 4,255 | 7,172 | |||||||||
Sources: Bureau of the Treasury; Department of Finance.
Notes:
| (1) | Excludes debt service in respect of Government debt that is on-lent to GOCCs and other public sector entities or guaranteed by the Government and debt originally guaranteed by other public sector entities for which the guarantee has been assumed by the Government. |
| (2) | Amounts in original currencies were translated into U.S. dollars using the applicable Bangko Sentral reference exchange rates at the end of each period. |
| (3) | Projection based on Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing FY 2026. Amounts in pesos were translated into U.S dollar using the exchange rate (P57.0/USD-midpoint) approved by the Development Budget Coordination Committee. |
Government-Guaranteed Debt
The following table sets out guarantees of indebtedness by the Republic, including guarantees assumed by the Government, as of the dates indicated.
| Summary of Outstanding Guarantees of the Republic(1)(2) As of December 31, |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026(4) | |||||||||||||||||||
| (in billions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total (₱) |
423.9 | 399.0 | 349.4 | 346.7 | 344.5 | 383.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic (₱) |
195.1 | 205.8 | 181.8 | 255.5 | 256.7 | 293.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
| External (₱) |
228.8 | 193.3 | 167.7 | 91.2 | 87.8 | 90.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| External ($)(3) |
4.5 | 3.5 | 3.0 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Sources: Bureau of the Treasury; Department of Finance.
Notes:
| (1) | Includes debt originally guaranteed by the Government and debt guaranteed by other public sector entities for which the guarantee has been assumed by the Government. |
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| (2) | Amounts in original currencies were translated into U.S. dollars or pesos, as applicable, using Bangko Sentral’s reference exchange rates at the end of each period. |
| (3) | Amounts in original currencies were translated into U.S. dollars using the applicable Bangko Sentral reference exchange rates as of the next business day following the end of the period indicated. |
| (4) | Preliminary data as of April 30, 2026. |
The Government monitors and manages contractual contingent liabilities, which broadly comprise debt guarantees issued to GOCCs and contractual obligations stipulated under the Republic’s public-private partnership initiative. The Government, through the Bureau of the Treasury, in its financial statements, discloses with regards to contingent liabilities only the outstanding amount of Government direct guaranteed and assumed GFI guaranteed debts, broken down on a monthly basis.
Contingent liabilities corresponding to projects under the public-private partnership initiative are excluded from the disclosure described above partly because the extent of the Government’s exposure cannot yet be established in the absence of complete data regarding these projects.
In relation to the above, reporting of contingent liabilities exist in various levels of the Government. For example, the Public-Private Partnership Center reports those liabilities related to projects that the Government has carried out through the public-private partnership initiative. Other contingent liability amounts that originate from various sources are disclosed by other entities. For example, the Home Guaranty Corporation discloses the amount of guarantees it has issued, the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation discloses liabilities for the deposit insurance fund and social security institutions disclose unfunded pension liabilities.
The Government publishes annually a Fiscal Risks Statement (the “FRS”) that includes a more thorough discussion of contingent liabilities. It includes potential fiscal risks stemming not only from potential calls on the guarantees described above, but also from potential claims arising from other sources of contingent liabilities such as Public-Private Partnership (“PPP”) contracts. According to the FRS for 2026, contingent liabilities arising from certain public-private partnership contracts that the FRS analyzed for 2025 is estimated to be about ₱16.64 billion.
Payment History of Foreign Debt
The Republic has in the past engaged in various debt restructuring, as well as debt buyback, debt-to-equity, debt-for-debt, debt-for-nature and other debt reduction arrangements to reduce its debt. The Republic intends to maintain various efforts to manage its debt portfolio to improve yield and maturity profiles. The Republic may utilize proceeds from debt issues for the purpose of repurchasing outstanding debt through a variety of methods, including public auctions and repurchases of debt securities in the open markets.
While there have been a number of rescheduling of the Republic’s debt to its bilateral creditors in the past few years, the Republic has not defaulted on, and has not attempted to restructure, the payment of principal or interest on any of its external securities in the last 20 years.
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The following table sets out the outstanding foreign-currency bonds issued by the Republic as of the dates indicated.
| Foreign Currency Bonds Issued by the Republic(1) | ||||||||||||||||
| Original Balance as of Issue Date(2) |
Outstanding Balance as of December 31, 2024(3) |
Outstanding Balance as of December 31, 2025(4) |
Outstanding Balance as of April 30, 2026(5) |
|||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| U.S. dollar bonds |
71,420.1 | 39,878 | 40,647 | 42,348 | ||||||||||||
| Chinese Yuan Bond |
556.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||
| Euro Bonds |
8,275.3 | 3,573 | 4,463 | 4,462 | ||||||||||||
| Japanese yen bonds |
4,013.3 | 966 | 967 | 967 | ||||||||||||
| Islamic Certificates |
1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Total foreign-currency bonds |
85,164.9 | 45,417 | 47,077 | 48,777 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Sources: Bureau of the Treasury; Department of Finance
Notes:
| (1) | Excludes debt securities of GOCCs and other public sector entities guaranteed by the Government. |
| (2) | Represents the aggregate of the original balances as of the issue dates of foreign currency bonds outstanding as of October 31, 2025. Amounts in original currencies were translated into U.S. dollars using the applicable Bangko Sentral reference exchange rates prevailing on the date of issuance. |
| (3) | Amounts in original currencies were translated into U.S. dollars using Bangko Sentral’s reference exchange rates as of January 2, 2025, which was the next business day following the end of the period indicated. |
| (4) | Amounts in original currencies were translated into U.S. dollars using Bangko Sentral’s reference exchange rates as of January 2, 2026, which was the next business day following the end of the period indicated. |
| (5) | Amounts in original currencies were translated into U.S. dollars using Bangko Sentral’s reference exchange rates as of May 4, 2026, which was the next business day following the end of the period indicated. |
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DESCRIPTION OF THE GLOBAL BONDS
General
The global bonds will be issued under a fiscal agency agreement, dated as of October 4, 1999, as supplemented by supplement no. 1 to the fiscal agency agreement dated February 26, 2004, supplement no. 2 to the fiscal agency agreement dated January 11, 2006 and a supplement no. 3 to the fiscal agency agreement dated February 1, 2018, between the Republic and The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor in interest to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.), as fiscal agent (the “fiscal agency agreement”). The global bonds are a series of debt securities more fully described in the accompanying prospectus, except to the extent indicated below.
The global bonds will be the direct, unconditional, unsecured and general obligations of the Republic and will rank without any preference among themselves and equally with all other present and future unsecured and unsubordinated External Indebtedness (as defined in the accompanying prospectus) of the Republic. It is understood that this provision shall not be construed so as to require the Republic to make payments under the global bonds ratably with payments being made under any other external indebtedness of the Republic.
The following statements are subject to the provisions of the fiscal agency agreement and the global bonds. Since the following is only a summary, we urge you to read the fiscal agency agreement and the form of global bonds before deciding whether to invest in the global bonds. The Republic has filed forms of these documents as exhibits to the registration statement numbered 333-286375. You should refer to the exhibits for more complete information. Capitalized terms not defined below shall have the respective meanings given in the accompanying prospectus.
The global bonds will:
| | bear interest at % from , 2026; |
| | mature at par on , 20 ; |
| | pay interest on and of each year. The first interest payment will be made on , 2026 in respect of the period from (and including) , 2026 to (but excluding) , 2026; and |
| | pay interest to the persons in whose names the global bonds are registered on the record date, which is the close of business on the preceding or , (whether or not a business day), as the case may be. Interest will be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year, consisting of twelve 30-day months. |
The global bonds will:
| | bear interest at % from , 2026; |
| | mature at par on , 20 ; |
| | pay interest on and of each year. The first interest payment will be made on , 2026 in respect of the period from (and including) , 2026 to (but excluding) , 2026; and |
| | pay interest to the persons in whose names the global bonds are registered on the record date, which is the close of business on the preceding or , (whether or not a business day), as the case may be. Interest will be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year, consisting of twelve 30-day months. |
The January 2051 global bonds will:
| | bear interest at 5.750% from January 27, 2026; |
| | mature at par on January 27, 2051; |
| | pay interest on January 27 and July 27 of each year. The first interest payment will be made on July 27, 2026 in respect of the period from (and including) January 27, 2026 to (but excluding) July 27, 2026; and; |
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| | The January 2051 bonds will be a further issuance of, and will form a single series with the existing U.S.$750,000,000 5.750% global bonds due 2051 (ISIN US718286DL87, CUSIP 718286 DL8, Common Code 326476820) issued on January 27, 2026. The January 2051 bonds offered hereby will have the same terms and CUSIP number as, and will trade interchangeably with, the original 2051 global bonds immediately upon settlement. After giving effect to the offering, the total amount outstanding of the Republic’s global bonds due January 2051 will be U.S.$ . |
| | pay interest to the persons in whose names the global bonds are registered on the record date, which is the close of business on the preceding January 22 or July 22, (whether or not a business day), as the case may be. Interest will be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year, consisting of twelve 30-day months. |
The global bonds will be designated Collective Action Securities, and, as such, will contain provisions regarding default, acceleration, voting on amendments, modifications, changes, waivers, future issues of global bonds and other reserve matters listed in the fiscal agency agreement, which are commonly referred to as “collective action clauses.” Under these provisions, which are described in the section entitled “Collective Action Securities,” on page 19 of the accompanying prospectus, the Republic may, among other things, amend the payment provisions of any series of debt securities (including the global bonds) and other reserve matters listed in the fiscal agency agreement with the consent of the holders of: (i) with respect to a single series of debt securities, more than 75% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series; (ii) with respect to two or more series of debt securities, if certain “uniformly applicable” requirements are met, more than 75% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of all series affected by the proposed modification, taken in the aggregate; or (iii) with respect to two or more series of debt securities, more than 66 2⁄3% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of all series affected by the proposed modification, taken in the aggregate, and more than 50% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series affected by the proposed modification, taken individually.
The Republic will apply to the Euro MTF for listing of, and permission to deal in, the global bonds in accordance with the rules of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. Application has been made to admit the global bonds to listing on the Official List of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and to trading on the Euro MTF.
The issue and sale of the global bonds were authorized by the Special Authority signed by the President of the Republic on December 26, 2025. The Monetary Board of the Republic granted its approval-in-principle for the offering of the global bonds on October 30, 2025. The offering remains subject to certain additional approvals of the Monetary Board.
Book Entry
The Republic will issue the global bonds in the form of fully registered global securities.
The Republic will deposit the global securities with DTC and register the global securities in the name of Cede & Co., as DTC’s nominee. Beneficial interests in the global securities will be represented by, and transfers thereof will be effected only through, book-entry accounts maintained by DTC and its participants.
You may hold your beneficial interests in a global security through Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg, or indirectly through organizations that are participants in such systems. Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg (the “Clearing System Depositaries”) will hold their participants’ beneficial interests in a global security in their customers’ securities accounts with the Clearing System Depositaries. The Clearing System Depositaries in turn will hold such interests in their customers’ securities accounts with DTC.
Certificated Securities
In circumstances detailed in the accompanying prospectus (see “Description of the Securities—Description of the Debt Securities—Global Securities—Registered Ownership of the Global Security”), the Republic could
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issue certificated securities. The Republic will only issue certificated securities in fully registered form in minimum denominations of $200,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. The holders of certificated securities shall present directly at the corporate trust office of the fiscal agent, at the office of the Luxembourg paying and transfer agent or at the office of any other transfer agent as the Republic may designate from time to time all requests for the registration of any transfer of such securities, for the exchange of such securities for one or more new certificated securities in a like aggregate principal amount and in authorized denominations and for the replacement of such securities in the cases of mutilation, destruction, loss or theft. Certificated securities issued as a result of any partial or whole transfer, exchange or replacement of the global bonds will be delivered to the holder at the corporate trust office of the fiscal agent, at the office of the Luxembourg paying and transfer agent or at the office of any other transfer agent, or (at the risk of the holder) sent by mail to such address as is specified by the holder in the holder’s request for transfer, exchange or replacement.
Registration and Payments
The Republic will pay the principal amount of a global bond on its maturity date in immediately available funds in the City of New York upon presentation of the global bond at the office of the fiscal agent in the City of New York or, subject to applicable law and regulations, at the office outside the United States of any paying agent, including the Luxembourg paying agent (if the global bonds are listed on the Euro MTF and the rules of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange so require).
The Republic will appoint the fiscal agent as registrar, principal paying agent and transfer agent of the global bonds. In these capacities, the fiscal agent will, among other things:
| | maintain a record of the aggregate holdings of global bonds represented by the global securities and any certificated securities and accept global bonds for exchange and registration of transfer; |
| | ensure that payments of principal and interest in respect of the global bonds received by the fiscal agent from the Republic are duly paid to the depositaries for the global securities or their respective nominees and any other holders of any global bonds; and |
| | transmit to the Republic any notices from holders of any of the global bonds. |
If the global bonds are accepted for listing on the Euro MTF, and the rules of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange so require, the Republic will appoint and maintain a Luxembourg paying and transfer agent, which shall initially be The Bank of New York Mellon SA/NY, Luxembourg Branch. Payments and transfers with respect to the global bonds may be effected through the Luxembourg paying and transfer agent, which will be executed through Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg. Holders of certificated global bonds may present such securities for registration of transfer or payment at the office of the Luxembourg paying and transfer agent. Forms of the transfer notice (or other instrument of transfer) are available, and duly completed transfer notices (or other instrument of transfer) may be submitted, at the office of the Luxembourg paying and transfer agent. For so long as the global bonds are listed on the Euro MTF, the Republic will publish any change as to the identity of the Luxembourg paying and transfer agent on the website of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange at www.luxse.com.
Redemption and Sinking Fund
The Republic may not redeem the global bonds prior to maturity. The Republic will not provide a sinking fund for the amortization and retirement of the global bonds.
Regarding the Fiscal Agent
The fiscal agent has its principal corporate trust office at 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286. The Republic will at all times maintain a paying agent and a transfer agent in the City of New York which
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will, unless otherwise provided, be the fiscal agent. The Republic may maintain deposit accounts and conduct other banking transactions in the ordinary course of business with the fiscal agent. The fiscal agent will be the agent of the Republic, not a trustee for holders of any global bonds. Accordingly, the fiscal agent will not have the same responsibilities or duties to act for such holders as would a trustee, except that all funds held by the fiscal agent, the London paying agent or the Luxembourg paying and transfer agent, for the payment of principal, and premium, if any, or interest on the global bonds shall be held by the fiscal agent in trust for the holders of the global bonds. None of the fiscal agent, the London paying agent or the Luxembourg paying and transfer agent will have any responsibility or liability in relation to payments of principal and interest.
The fiscal agency agreement and the supplements to the fiscal agency agreement are not required to be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (the “Trust Indenture Act”). Accordingly, the fiscal agency agreement and the supplements to the fiscal agency agreement may not contain all of the provisions which could be beneficial to holders of the global bonds which would be contained in an indenture qualified under the Trust Indenture Act.
Notices
All notices will be mailed to the registered holders of the global bonds.
If a depositary is the registered holder of the global bonds, each beneficial holder must rely on the procedures of the depositary and its participants to receive notice, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements. Notices may also be published on the website of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange at www.luxse.com.
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GLOBAL CLEARANCE AND SETTLEMENT
The Republic has obtained the information in this section from sources it believes to be reliable, including from DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg, and the Republic takes responsibility for the accurate reproduction of this information. The Republic takes no responsibility, however, for the accuracy of this information. Although DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg have agreed to the procedures provided below to facilitate transfers of global bonds among participants of DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg, they are under no obligation to perform such procedures. In addition, such procedures may be modified or discontinued at any time. None of the Republic, the fiscal agent, the London paying agent or the Luxembourg paying and transfer agent will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC, Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg or their respective participants or indirect participants of the respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations.
The Clearing Systems
The Depository Trust Company. DTC is:
| | a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law; a “banking organization” under the New York Banking Law; |
| | a member of the Federal Reserve System; |
| | a “clearing corporation” under the New York Uniform Commercial Code; and |
| | a “clearing agency” registered under Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). |
DTC was created to hold securities for its participants and facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between its participants. It does this through electronic book-entry settlement in the accounts of its direct participants, eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. DTC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (“DTCC”). DTCC is the holding company for DTC, National Securities Clearing Corporation and Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, all of which are registered clearing agencies. DTCC is owned by users of its regulated subsidiaries.
DTC can act only on behalf of its direct participants, who in turn act on behalf of indirect participants and certain banks. In addition, unless a global security is exchanged in whole or in part for a definitive security, it may not be physically transferred, except as a whole among DTC, its nominees and their successors. Therefore, your ability to pledge a beneficial interest in the global security to persons that do not participate in the DTC system, and to take other actions, may be limited because you will not possess a physical certificate that represents your interest.
Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg. Like DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg hold securities for their participants and facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between their participants through electronic book-entry settlement in their accounts. Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg provide various services to their participants, including the safekeeping, administration, clearance and settlement and lending and borrowing of internationally traded securities. Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg participants are financial institutions such as underwriters, securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies and other organizations. Other banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies have indirect access to Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg by clearing through or maintaining a custodial relationship with a Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg participant.
Initial Settlement
If you plan to hold your interests in the securities through DTC, you will follow the settlement practices applicable to global security issues. If you plan to hold your interests in the securities through Euroclear or
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Clearstream, Luxembourg, you will follow the settlement procedures applicable to conventional Eurobonds in registered form. If you are an investor on the settlement date, you will pay for the global bonds by wire transfer and the entity through which you hold your interests in the global bonds will credit your securities custody account.
Secondary Market Trading
The purchaser of securities determines the place of delivery in secondary market trading. Therefore, it is important for you to establish at the time of the trade where both the purchaser’s and seller’s accounts are located to ensure that settlement can be made on the desired value date (i.e., the date specified by the purchaser and seller on which the price of the securities is fixed).
Settlement among DTC participants. DTC participants will transfer interests in the securities among themselves in the ordinary way according to the rules and operating procedures of DTC governing global security issues. Participants will pay for these transfers by wire transfer.
Settlement among Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg participants. Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg participants will transfer interests in the securities among themselves in the ordinary way according to the rules and operating procedures of Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg governing conventional Eurobonds. Participants will pay for these transfers by wire transfer.
Settlement between a DTC seller and a Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg purchaser. When the securities are to be transferred from the account of a DTC participant to the account of a Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg participant, the purchaser must first send instructions to Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg through a participant at least one business day before the settlement date for such securities. Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg will then instruct its depositary to receive the securities and make payment for them. On the settlement date for such securities, the depositary will make payment to the DTC participant’s account and the securities will be credited to the depositary’s account. After settlement has been completed, DTC will credit the securities to Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg, and in turn Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg will credit the securities, in accordance with its usual procedures, to the participant’s account, and the participant will then credit the purchaser’s account. These securities credits will appear the next day (European time) after the settlement date. The cash debit from the account of Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg will be back-valued to the value date, which will be the preceding day if settlement occurs in New York. If settlement is not completed on the intended value date (i.e., the trade fails), the cash debit will instead be valued at the actual settlement date.
Participants in Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg will need to make funds available to Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg in order to pay for the securities by wire transfer on the value date. The most direct way of doing this is to preposition funds (i.e., have funds in place at Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg before the value date), either from cash on hand or from existing lines of credit. Under this approach, however, participants may take on credit exposure to Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg until the securities are credited to their accounts one day later.
As an alternative, if Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg has extended a line of credit to a participant, the participant may decide not to preposition funds, but to allow Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg to draw on the line of credit to finance settlement for the securities. Under this procedure, Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg would charge the participant overdraft charges for one day, assuming that the overdraft would be cleared when the securities were credited to the participant’s account. However, interest on the securities would accrue from the value date. Therefore, in many cases the interest income on securities which the participant earns during that one-day period will substantially reduce or offset the amount of the participant’s overdraft charges. Of course, this result will depend on the cost of funds to (i.e., the interest rate that Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg charges) each participant.
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Since the settlement will occur during New York business hours, a DTC participant selling an interest in the securities can use its usual procedures for transferring global securities to the Clearing System Depositaries of Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg for the benefit of Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg participants. The DTC seller will receive the sale proceeds on the settlement date. Thus, to the DTC seller, a cross-market sale will settle no differently than a trade between two DTC participants.
Finally, day traders that use Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg and that purchase global bonds from DTC participants for credit to Euroclear participants or Clearstream, Luxembourg participants should note that these trades will automatically fail on the sale side unless one of the following three steps is taken:
| | borrowing through Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg for one day, until the purchase side of the day trade is reflected in their Euroclear account or Clearstream, Luxembourg account, in accordance with the clearing system’s customary procedures; |
| | borrowing the global bonds in the United States from a DTC participant no later than one day prior to settlement, which would give the global bonds sufficient time to be reflected in the borrower’s Euroclear account or Clearstream, Luxembourg account in order to settle the sale side of the trade; or |
| | staggering the value dates for the buy and sell sides of the trade so that the value date of the purchase from the DTC participant is at least one day prior to the value date for the sale to the Euroclear participant or Clearstream, Luxembourg participant. |
Settlement between a Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg seller and a DTC purchaser. Due to time zone differences in their favor, Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg participants can use their usual procedures to transfer securities through their Clearing System Depositaries to a DTC participant. The seller must first send instructions to Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg through a participant at least one business day before the settlement date. Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg will then instruct its depositary to credit the securities to the DTC participant’s account and receive payment. The payment will be credited in the account of the Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg participant on the following day, but the receipt of the cash proceeds will be back valued to the value date, which will be the preceding day if settlement occurs in New York. If settlement is not completed on the intended value date (i.e., the trade fails), the receipt of the cash proceeds will instead be valued at the actual settlement date.
If the Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg participant selling the securities has a line of credit with Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg and elects to be in debit for the securities until it receives the sale proceeds in its account, then the back-valuation may substantially reduce or offset any overdraft charges that the participant incurs over that one-day period.
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General
The Republic urges you to consult your own tax advisors to determine your particular tax consequences in respect of participating in the offering, and of owning and selling the global bonds.
Philippine Taxation
The following is a summary of certain Philippine tax consequences that may be relevant to non-Philippine holders of the global bonds in connection with the holding and disposition of the global bonds. The Republic uses the term “non-Philippine holders” to refer to (i) non-residents of the Philippines who are neither citizens of the Philippines nor are engaged in trade or business within the Philippines and (ii) non-Philippine corporations not engaged in trade or business in the Philippines. If you are not a non-Philippine holder, you should consult your tax advisor about the consequences of holding the global bonds.
This summary is based on Philippine laws, rules, and regulations in effect as of the date hereof, all of which are subject to change and may apply retroactively. It is not intended to constitute a complete analysis of the tax consequences under Philippine law regarding the receipt, ownership, or disposition of the global bonds, in each case by non-Philippine holders, nor to describe any of the tax consequences that may be applicable to residents of the Republic.
Effect of Holding Global Bonds. Payments by the Republic of principal of and interest on the global bonds to a non-Philippine holder will not subject such non-Philippine holder to taxation in the Philippines by reason solely of the holding of the global bonds or the receipt of principal or interest in respect thereof.
Taxation of Interest on the Global Bonds. When the Republic makes payments of principal and interest to a non-Philippine holder of the global bonds, no amount will be withheld from such payments for, or on account of, any taxes of any kind imposed, levied, withheld or assessed by the Philippines or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein.
Taxation of Capital Gains. Non-Philippine holders of the global bonds will not be subject to Philippine income or withholding tax in connection with the sale, exchange, or retirement of a global bond if such sale, exchange, or retirement is made outside the Philippines or if an exemption is available under an applicable tax treaty in force between the Philippines and the country of domicile of the non-Philippine holder.
Documentary Stamp Taxes. No documentary stamp tax is imposed upon the transfer of the global bonds. A documentary stamp tax, at the rate of 75% of 1% of the issue value of the global bonds, is payable upon the issuance of the global bonds and will be for the account of the Republic.
Estate and Donor’s Taxes. The transfer of a global bond by way of succession upon the death of a non-Philippine holder will generally be subject to Philippine estate tax at the rate of 6% based on the value of such net estate.
The transfer of a global bond by gift to an individual, whether or not related to the non-Philippine holder, will generally be subject to a Philippine donor’s tax at the rate of 6% based on the total gifts in excess of ₱250,000 made during the calendar year.
The foregoing applies even if the holder is a non-Philippine holder. However, the Republic will not collect estate and donor’s taxes on the transfer of the global bonds by gift or succession if the deceased at the time of death, or the donor at the time of donation, was a citizen and resident of a foreign country that provides certain reciprocal rights to citizens of the Philippines (a “Reciprocating Jurisdiction”). For these purposes, a
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Reciprocating Jurisdiction is a foreign country which at the time of death or donation (i) did not impose a transfer tax of any character in respect of intangible personal property of citizens of the Philippines not residing in that foreign country or (ii) allowed a similar exemption from transfer or death taxes of every character or description in respect of intangible personal property owned by citizens of the Philippines not residing in that foreign country.
Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the global bonds by a U.S. Holder (as defined below). This summary deals only with U.S. Holders who acquire global bonds in the initial offering at the offering price for the relevant series set forth on the cover page and will hold the global bonds as capital assets. The discussion does not cover all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to, or the actual tax effect that any of the matters described herein will have on, the acquisition, ownership or disposition of the global bonds by particular investors, and does not address state, local, non-U.S. or other (including gift and estate) tax laws. This summary also does not discuss all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to certain types of investors subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws (such as financial institutions, insurance companies, investors liable for any alternative minimum taxes or the Medicare tax on net investment income, individual retirement accounts and other tax-deferred accounts, tax-exempt organizations, dealers in securities or currencies, investors that will hold the global bonds as part of straddles, hedging transactions or conversion transactions for U.S. federal income tax purposes, persons that have ceased to be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents of the United States, investors holding the global bonds in connection with a trade or business conducted outside the United States, U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents living abroad or investors whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar). In addition, this summary does not address tax consequences attributable to the requirement under Section 451(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) that accrual method taxpayers recognize certain amounts of income no later than the time such amounts are included in income on applicable financial statements.
As used herein, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of the global bonds that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (i) an individual citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation created or organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof (or the District of Columbia), (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax without regard to its source or (iv) a trust if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or the trust has validly elected to be treated as a domestic trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
The U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes that holds the global bonds will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Prospective purchasers that are entities or arrangements treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes should consult their tax advisors concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences to them and their partners of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the global bonds by the partnership.
This summary is based on the tax laws of the United States, including the Code, its legislative history, existing and proposed regulations thereunder, published rulings and court decisions, all as of the date hereof and all subject to change at any time, possibly with retroactive effect.
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THE SUMMARY OF U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES SET OUT BELOW IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY. ALL PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF ACQUIRING, OWNING, AND DISPOSING THE GLOBAL BONDS, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S. AND OTHER TAX LAWS AND POSSIBLE CHANGES IN TAX LAW.
Qualified Reopening of the January 2051 Global Bonds
It is expected that the 2051 global bonds offered hereby should be treated as issued in a “qualified reopening” of the January 2051 global bonds for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Assuming the issuance of the 2051 global bonds offered hereby is so treated, then, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the 2051 global bonds will be considered to have the same issue date and issue price as the January 2051 global bonds and will be fungible with the January 2051 global bonds for such purposes. The remainder of this discussion assumes that the 2051 global bonds are treated as having been issued in a “qualified reopening” of the January 2051 global bonds.
Payments of Interest
Pre-issuance accrued interest for the January 2051 global bonds
A portion of the price paid for the January 2051 global bonds is expected to be attributable to an amount of interest accrued prior to the date of the closing of this offering (the “pre-issuance accrued interest”). The Issuer intends to treat a portion of the first interest payment on the January 2051 global bonds equal to the amount of the pre-issuance accrued interest as a non-taxable return of the pre-issuance accrued interest. This discussion assumes that the first interest payment on the January 2051 global bonds with pre-issuance accrued interest will be so treated, and references to interest in the remainder of this discussion exclude pre-issuance accrued interest. Pre-issuance accrued interest not included in income should not create any amortizable bond premium. A U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in a Note should be reduced by any non-taxable return of pre-issuance accrued interest. This discussion does not otherwise address the treatment of pre-issuance accrued interest except as specifically noted below, and U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers concerning the U.S. federal income tax treatment of pre-issuance accrued interest.
Interest on a global bond (including any amounts withheld and additional amounts paid with respect thereto) will be taxable to a U.S. Holder as ordinary interest income at the time it is received or accrued, depending on the holder’s method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Interest paid by the Republic on the global bonds constitutes income from sources outside the United States for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. Prospective purchasers should consult their tax advisers concerning the applicability of the foreign tax credit and source of income rules to income attributable to the global bonds.
Sale or Retirement of the Global Bonds
A U.S. Holder will generally recognize gain or loss on the sale or retirement of a global bond equal to the difference between the amount realized on such sale or retirement and the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in a global bond. A U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in a global bond will generally be its cost (decreased, in the case of the January 2051 global bonds, by any non-taxable return of pre-issuance accrued interest). The amount realized does not include the amount attributable to accrued but unpaid interest, which will be taxable as ordinary interest income according to the rules described in “Payments of Interest” to the extent not previously included in income.
Gain or loss recognized by a U.S. Holder on the sale or retirement of a global bond will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the global bond was held by the U.S. Holder for more than one year. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.
Gain or loss realized by a U.S. Holder on the sale or retirement of a global bond generally will be U.S. source for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. The rules governing foreign tax credits are complex. Prospective
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purchasers should consult their tax advisors as to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of any non-U.S. taxes imposed on the sale or retirement of global bonds, including creditability, deductibility and determination of the amount realized in their particular circumstances.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
Payments of principal and interest on, and the proceeds of sale or other disposition of global bonds will be reported to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and to the U.S. Holder as may be required under applicable regulations. Backup withholding may apply to these payments if the U.S. Holder fails to provide an accurate taxpayer identification number or certification of exempt status or otherwise fails to comply with applicable certification requirements. Certain U.S. Holders are not subject to backup withholding. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors about these rules and any other reporting obligations that may apply to the ownership or disposition of global bonds, including requirements related to the holding of certain foreign financial assets.
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Subject to the terms and conditions contained in an underwriting agreement, which consists of a terms agreement dated as of , 2026 and the underwriting agreement standard terms filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, the Republic has agreed to sell to the underwriters, namely, BNP Paribas, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, J.P. Morgan Securities plc, MUFG Securities Asia Limited Singapore Branch and Standard Chartered Bank, and the underwriters have agreed to purchase from the Republic, the global bonds in the principal amount of , the global bonds in the principal amount of , and the January 2051 global bonds in the principal amount of . Each of the underwriters, severally and not jointly, has agreed to purchase from the Republic, the principal amounts of the global bonds listed opposite its name below.
| Underwriters |
Principal Amount global bonds |
Principal Amount global bonds |
Principal Amount January 2051 global bonds |
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| BNP PARIBAS |
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| 63/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong |
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| Citigroup Global Markets Inc. |
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| 388 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10013, United States of America |
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| The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited |
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| Level 17, HSBC Main Building 1 Queen’s Road Central Hong Kong |
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| J.P. Morgan Securities plc |
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| 25 Bank Street Canary Wharf London E14 5JP United Kingdom |
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| MUFG Securities Asia Limited Singapore Branch |
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| Marina One East Tower 7 Straits View #23-01 Singapore 018936 |
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| Standard Chartered Bank |
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| One Basinghall Avenue London EC2V 5DD United Kingdom |
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The underwriting agreement provides that the underwriters are obligated to purchase all of the global bonds if any are purchased. The underwriting agreement also provides that if an underwriter defaults, the purchase commitment of the non-defaulting underwriters may be increased or the offering of the global bonds may be terminated. The underwriters may offer and sell the global bonds through certain of their respective affiliates.
Certain of the underwriters are expected to make offers and sales both inside and outside the United States through their respective selling agents. However, certain underwriters are not broker-dealers registered with the SEC. Therefore, the underwriters will not effect any offers or sales of any global bonds in the United States
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unless it is through one or more registered broker-dealers in compliance with applicable securities laws and regulations and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) rules.
The Republic has agreed to indemnify the underwriters against liabilities under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 or contribute to payments which the underwriters may be required to make in that respect.
The Republic estimates that its out-of-pocket expenses for this offering will be approximately US$ . The underwriters have agreed to reimburse the Republic for certain of its expenses.
The underwriters have advised the Republic that they propose to offer the global bonds to the public initially at the public offering price that appears on the cover page of this prospectus supplement. After the initial public offering, the underwriters may change the public offering price and any other selling terms.
In connection with this offering of the global bonds, the underwriters may engage in overallotment, stabilizing transactions and syndicate covering transactions in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act. Overallotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which create a short position for the underwriters. Stabilizing transactions involve bids to purchase the global bonds in the open market for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the global bonds. Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the global bonds in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover short positions. Stabilizing transactions and syndicate covering transactions may cause the price of the global bonds to be higher than it would otherwise be in the absence of those transactions. If the underwriters engage in stabilizing or syndicate covering transactions, they may discontinue them at any time. The Republic has been advised by the underwriters that they intend to make a market in the global bonds, but the underwriters are not obligated to do so and may discontinue any market-making activities at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of or the trading market for the global bonds.
Separate from the purchase of the global bonds made with a view to distribution, the underwriters or certain of their affiliates may also purchase the global bonds and be allocated the global bonds for asset management or proprietary purposes. The underwriters or their respective affiliates may purchase the global bonds for their own account and enter into transactions, including credit derivatives, such as asset swaps, repackaging and credit default swaps relating to the global bonds or other securities of the Republic; these purchases may be made pursuant to the underwriting agreement or in secondary market transactions. These transactions would be carried out as bilateral trades with selected counterparties and separately from any existing sale or resale of the global bonds to which this prospectus supplement relates (notwithstanding that such selected counterparties may also be purchasers of the global bonds).
If a jurisdiction requires that the offering be made by a licensed broker or dealer and the underwriters or any affiliate of the underwriters is a licensed broker or dealer in that jurisdiction, the offering shall be deemed to be made by the underwriter or their affiliates on behalf of the issuer in such jurisdiction.
Settlement and Delivery
The Republic expects that delivery of the global bonds will be made against payment therefor on or about the settlement date specified on the cover page of this prospectus supplement, which will be the fifth business day following the date of pricing of the global bonds. Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Exchange Act, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in one business day, unless the parties to a trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade global bonds prior to the delivery of the global bonds will be required, by virtue of the fact that the global bonds initially will settle in T+5, to specify alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.
Relationship of Underwriters with the Republic
The underwriters have in the past and may in the future provide investment and commercial banking and other related services to the Republic in the ordinary course of business for which the underwriters and/or their
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respective affiliates have received or may receive customary fees and reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses. If any of the underwriters or their affiliates has a lending relationship with the Republic, certain of those underwriters or their affiliates routinely hedge, certain of those underwriters have hedged and are likely in the future to hedge and certain other of those underwriters or their affiliates may hedge, their credit exposure to the Republic consistent with their customary risk management policies. Typically, these underwriters and their affiliates would hedge their credit exposure by entering into transactions which consist of either the purchase of credit default swaps or the creation of short positions in our securities, including potentially the global bonds offered hereby. Any such credit default swaps or short positions could adversely affect future trading prices of the global bonds offered hereby.
Notice to CMIs (including private banks) pursuant to Paragraph 21 of the SFC Code
This notice to CMIs (including private banks) is a summary of certain obligations the SFC Code imposes on CMIs, which require the attention and cooperation of other CMIs (including private banks). Certain CMIs may also be acting as OCs for this offering and are subject to additional requirements under the SFC Code.
Prospective investors who are the directors, employees or major shareholders of the Republic, a CMI or its group companies would be considered under the SFC Code as having an Association with the Republic, the CMI or the relevant group company (as the case may be). CMIs should specifically disclose whether their investor clients have any Association when submitting orders for the global bonds. In addition, private banks should take all reasonable steps to identify whether their investor clients may have any Associations with the Republic or any CMI (including its group companies) and inform the underwriters accordingly.
CMIs are informed that the marketing and investor targeting strategy for this offering includes institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, hedge funds, family offices and high net worth individuals, in each case, subject to the applicable selling restrictions and any MiFID II product governance language or any UK MiFIR product governance language set out in this prospectus supplement.
CMIs should ensure that orders placed are bona fide, are not inflated and do not constitute duplicated orders (i.e. two or more corresponding or identical orders placed via two or more CMIs). CMIs should enquire with their investor clients regarding any orders which appear unusual or irregular. CMIs should disclose the identities of all investors when submitting orders for the global bonds (except for omnibus orders where underlying investor information should be provided to the OCs when submitting orders). Failure to provide underlying investor information for omnibus orders, where required to do so, will result in that order being rejected. CMIs should not place “X-orders” into the order book.
CMIs should segregate and clearly identify their own proprietary orders (and those of their group companies, including private banks as the case may be) in the order book and book messages.
CMIs (including private banks) should not offer any rebates to prospective investors or pass on any rebates provided by the Republic. In addition, CMIs (including private banks) should not enter into arrangements which may result in prospective investors paying different prices for the global bonds.
The SFC Code requires that a CMI disclose complete and accurate information in a timely manner on the status of the order book and other relevant information it receives to targeted investors for them to make an informed decision. In order to do this, those underwriters in control of the order book should consider disclosing order book updates to all CMIs.
When placing an order for the global bonds, private banks should disclose, at the same time, if such order is placed other than on a “principal” basis (whereby it is deploying its own balance sheet for onward selling to investors). Private banks who do not provide such disclosure are hereby deemed to be placing their order on such a “principal” basis. Otherwise, such order may be considered to be an omnibus order pursuant to the SFC Code.
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Private banks should be aware that placing an order on a “principal” basis may require the relevant affiliated underwriter(s) (if any) to categorize it as a proprietary order and apply the “proprietary orders” requirements of the SFC Code to such order.
In relation to omnibus orders, when submitting such orders, CMIs (including private banks) that are subject to the SFC Code should disclose underlying investor information in respect of each order constituting the relevant omnibus order (failure to provide such information may result in that order being rejected). Underlying investor information in relation to omnibus orders should consist of:
| | the name of each underlying investor; |
| | a unique identification number for each investor; |
| | whether an underlying investor has any “Associations” (as used in the SFC Code); |
| | whether any underlying investor order is a “Proprietary Order” (as used in the SFC Code); and |
| | whether any underlying investor order is a duplicate order. |
Underlying investor information in relation to omnibus orders should be sent to:
[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected];
[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
To the extent information being disclosed by CMIs and investors is personal and/or confidential in nature, CMIs (including private banks) agree and warrant: (A) to take appropriate steps to safeguard the transmission of such information to any OCs; and (B) that they have obtained the necessary consents from the underlying investors to disclose such information to any OCs. By submitting an order and providing such information to any OCs, each CMI (including private banks) further warrants that they and the underlying investors have understood and consented to the collection, disclosure, use and transfer of such information by any OCs and/or any other third parties as may be required by the SFC Code, including to the Republic, relevant regulators and/or any other third parties as may be required by the SFC Code, for the purpose of complying with the SFC Code, during the bookbuilding process for this offering. CMIs that receive such underlying investor information are reminded that such information should be used only for submitting orders in this offering. The underwriters may be asked to demonstrate compliance with their obligations under the SFC Code, and may request other CMIs (including private banks) to provide evidence showing compliance with the obligations above (in particular, that the necessary consents have been obtained). In such event, other CMIs (including private banks) are required to provide the underwriters with such evidence within the timeline requested.
By placing an order, prospective investors (including any underlying investors in relation to omnibus orders) are deemed to represent to the underwriters that it is not a Sanctions Restricted Person. A “Sanctions Restricted Person” means an individual or entity (a “Person”): (a) that is, or is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by a Person that is, described or designated in (i) the most current “Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons” list (which as of the date hereof can be found at: http://www.treasury.gov/ofac/downloads/ sdnlist.pdf) or (ii) the Foreign Sanctions Evaders List (which as of the date hereof can be found at: http://www.treasury.gov/ofac/downloads/fse/fselist.pdf) or (iii) the most current “Consolidated list of persons, groups and entities subject to EU financial sanctions” (which as of the date hereof can be found at: https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquartershomepage_en/8442/Consolidated%20list%20 of%20sanctions); or (b) that is otherwise the subject of any sanctions administered or enforced by any Sanctions Authority, other than solely by virtue of: (i) their inclusion in the most current “Sectoral Sanctions Identifications” list (which as of the date hereof can be found at: https://www.treasury.gov/ofac/downloads/ssi/ssilist.pdf) (the “SSI List”), (ii) their inclusion in Annexes 3, 4, 5 and 6 of Council Regulation No. 833/2014, as amended by Council Regulation No. 960/2014 (the “EU Annexes”), (iii) their inclusion in any other list maintained by a Sanctions Authority, with similar effect to the SSI List or the EU Annexes, (iv) them being the subject of restrictions imposed by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”) under which BIS has restricted exports, re-exports or transfers of certain controlled goods, technology or software to such individuals or entities; (v) them being an entity listed in the Annex to the new
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Executive Order of 3 June 2021 entitled “Addressing the Threat from Securities Investments that Finance Certain Companies of the People’s Republic of China” (known as the Non-SDN Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies List), which amends the Executive Order 13959 of 12 November 2020 entitled “Addressing the threat from Securities Investments that Finance Chinese Military Companies”; or (vi) them being subject to restrictions imposed on the operation of an online service, Internet application or other information or communication services in the United States directed at preventing a foreign government from accessing the data of U.S. persons; or (c) that is located, organized or a resident in a comprehensively sanctioned country or territory, including Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, the Crimea region of Ukraine, the Donetsk’s People’s Republic or Luhansk People’s Republic. “Sanctions Authority” means: (a) the United States government; (b) the United Nations; (c) the European Union (or any of its member states); (d) the United Kingdom; (e) any other equivalent governmental or regulatory authority, institution or agency which administers economic, financial or trade sanctions; and (f) the respective governmental institutions and agencies of any of the foregoing including, without limitation, the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the United States Department of State, the United States Department of Commerce and His Majesty’s Treasury.
Selling Restrictions
MiFID II Product Governance / Professional Investors and ECPs Only Target Market
Solely for the purposes of each manufacturer’s product approval process, the target market assessment in respect of the global bonds has led to the conclusion that: (i) the target market for the global bonds is eligible counterparties and professional clients only, each as defined in Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, “MiFID II”); and (ii) all channels for distribution of the global bonds to eligible counterparties and professional clients are appropriate. Any person subsequently offering, selling or recommending the global bonds (a “distributor”) should take into consideration the manufacturers’ target market assessment; however, a distributor subject to MiFID II is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the global bonds (by either adopting or refining the manufacturers’ target market assessment) and determining appropriate distribution channels.
UK MiFIR Product Governance/Professional Investors and ECPs Only Target Market
Solely for the purposes of each manufacturer’s product approval process, the target market assessment in respect of the global bonds has led to the conclusion that: (i) the target market for the global bonds is only eligible counterparties, as defined in the FCA Handbook Conduct of Business Sourcebook (“COBS”), and professional clients, as defined in Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (“UK MiFIR”); and (ii) all channels for distribution of the global bonds to eligible counterparties and professional clients are appropriate. Any person subsequently offering, selling or recommending the global bonds (a “distributor”) should take into consideration the manufacturers’ target market assessment; however, a distributor subject to the FCA Handbook Product Intervention and Product Governance Sourcebook (the “UK MiFIR Product Governance Rules”) is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the global bonds (by either adopting or refining the manufacturers’ target market assessment) and determining appropriate distribution channels.
PRIIPs Regulation/Prospectus Regulation/Prohibition of Sales to European Economic Area Retail Investors
The global bonds are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the European Economic Area (“EEA”). For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, “MiFID II”); or (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97 (as amended, the “Insurance Distribution Directive”), where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II. Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the “PRIIPs Regulation”) for offering or selling the global bonds or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the global bonds or otherwise making them available to any retail
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investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus have been prepared on the basis that any offer of global bonds in any Member State of the EEA will be made pursuant to an exemption under Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (as amended, the “Prospectus Regulation”) from the requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of global bonds. Each of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is not a prospectus for the purposes of the Prospectus Regulation.
The above selling restriction is in addition to any other selling restrictions set out in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
Hong Kong
Each underwriter has represented and agreed that:
| (a) | it has not offered or sold and will not offer or sell in Hong Kong, by means of any document, any global bonds other than (i) to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong (“SFO”) and any rules made under the SFO; or (ii) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” as defined in the Companies (Winding up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong (the “C(WUMP)O”) or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the C(WUMP)O; and |
| (b) | it has not issued or had in its possession for the purposes of issue, and will not issue or have in its possession for the purposes of issue, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, any advertisement, invitation or document relating to the global bonds, which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public of Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to global bonds which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” as defined in the SFO and any rules made thereunder. |
Japan
The global bonds have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan. Each underwriter has represented, warranted and agreed that it has not directly or indirectly offered or sold and will not offer or sell any global bonds, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any Japanese person or to others, for re-offering or resale directly or indirectly in Japan or to any Japanese person, except in each case pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan and any other applicable laws and regulations of Japan. For purposes of this paragraph, “Japanese person” means any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan.
Korea
Each underwriter has represented and agreed that (i) it has not offered, sold or delivered and will not offer, sell or deliver, directly or indirectly, any global bonds in Korea or to, or for the account or benefit of, any resident of Korea, except as permitted by applicable Korean laws and regulations; and (ii) any securities dealer to whom it sells global bonds will agree that it will not offer any global bonds, directly or indirectly, in Korea or to any resident of Korea, except as permitted by applicable Korean laws and regulations, or to any dealer who does not so represent and agree.
Luxembourg
The global bonds may not be offered or sold to the public in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, directly or indirectly, and, neither this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus nor any other circular, prospectus, form of application, advertisement, communication or other material may be distributed, or otherwise made available in, or from or published in, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, except for the sole purpose of the admission to trading of the global bonds on the Euro MTF of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and listing on the official list of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, and except in circumstances which do not constitute an offer of securities to the public.
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People’s Republic of China
The global bonds are not being offered or sold and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in the People’s Republic of China (for such purposes, not including the Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions or Taiwan), except as permitted by the securities laws of the People’s Republic of China.
Philippines
The global bonds constitute exempt securities within the meaning of the Philippine Securities Regulation Code and its implementing regulations. As such, the global bonds are not required to be registered under the provisions of the Philippine Securities Regulation Code or its implementing regulations before the global bonds can be sold or offered for sale or distribution in the Philippines. However, the global bonds may be sold or offered for sale in the Philippines only by underwriters, dealers, or brokers duly licensed by the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission.
Singapore
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus have not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the global bonds may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the global bonds be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor (as defined in Section 4A of the Securities and Futures Act 2001 of Singapore (the “SFA”)) pursuant to Section 274 of the SFA or (ii) to an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA) pursuant to and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA.
Switzerland
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are not intended to constitute an offer or solicitation to purchase or invest in the global bonds. The global bonds may not be publicly offered, directly or indirectly, in Switzerland within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (the “FinSA”) and no application has or will be made to admit the global bonds to trading on any trading venue (exchange or multilateral trading facility) in Switzerland. None of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus or any other offering or marketing material relating to the global bonds constitutes a prospectus pursuant to the FinSA, and none of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus or any other offering or marketing material relating to the global bonds may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.
Taiwan
The offer and sale of the global bonds have not been and will not be registered with the Financial Supervisory Commission of Taiwan, China (“Taiwan”) pursuant to relevant securities laws and regulations in Taiwan and may not be sold, issued or offered within Taiwan through a public offering or in a circumstance which constitutes an offer within the meaning of the Taiwan Securities and Exchange Law that requires a registration or approval of the Taiwan Financial Supervisory Commission. No person or entity in Taiwan has been authorized to offer, sell, give advice regarding or otherwise intermediate the offering and sale of the global bonds in Taiwan.
United Arab Emirates
The global bonds have not been and will not be offered, sold or publicly promoted or advertised by it in the United Arab Emirates (the “UAE”) other than in compliance with any laws applicable in the UAE governing the issue, offering and sale of securities.
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United Kingdom / Prohibition of Sales to UK Retail Investors
The global bonds are not intended to be offered, sold, distributed or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold, distributed or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the United Kingdom. For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is either one (or both) of the following: (i) not a professional client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of United Kingdom domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (“EUWA”); or (ii) not a qualified investor as defined in paragraph 15 of Schedule 1 to the Public Offers and Admissions to Trading Regulations 2024. Consequently, no disclosure document required by the FCA Product Disclosure Sourcebook (“DISC”) for offering, selling or distributing the global bonds or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the United Kingdom has been prepared and therefore offering, selling or distributing the global bonds or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the United Kingdom may be unlawful under DISC and the Consumer Composite Investments (Designated Activities) Regulations 2024.
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus have been prepared on the basis that any offer of the global bonds in the United Kingdom will be made pursuant to an exemption under Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the “U.K. Prospectus Regulation”) from a requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of the global bonds. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are not a prospectus for the purpose of the U.K. Prospectus Regulation.
Any invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the FSMA) in connection with the issue or sale of the global bonds may only be communicated or caused to be communicated in circumstances in which Section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to the Republic.
All applicable provisions of the FSMA must be complied with in respect to anything done by any person in relation to the global bonds in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.
Canada
The global bonds may be sold only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the global bonds must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.
Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.
If applicable, pursuant to section 3A.4 of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (NI 33-105), the dealers are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with the offering of global bonds under this issuance.
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The validity of the global bonds will be passed upon on behalf of the Republic as to Philippine law by the Secretary of the Department of Justice of the Republic, and as to U.S. federal and New York State law by Allen Overy Shearman Sterling (Asia) Pte. Ltd., special United States counsel for the Republic. Certain matters will be passed upon for the underwriters by Linklaters Singapore Pte. Ltd., special United States counsel for the underwriters, as to matters of U.S. federal and New York State law, and by Romulo, Mabanta, Buenaventura, Sayoc & de los Angeles, Philippine counsel for the underwriters, as to matters of Philippine law.
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| 1. | The global bonds have been accepted for clearance through DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg. With respect to the global bonds, the International Securities Identification Number is , the CUSIP number is , and the Common Code number is . With respect to the global bonds, the International Securities Identification Number is , the CUSIP number is , and the Common Code number is . With respect to the January 2051 global bonds, the International Securities Identification Number is US718286DL87, the CUSIP number is 718286 DL8, and the Common Code number is 326476820. |
| 2. | The issue and sale of the global bonds was authorized by the Special Authority signed by the President of the Republic on December 26, 2025. |
| 3. | Except as disclosed in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, there has been no material adverse change in the fiscal condition or affairs of the Republic which is material in the context of the global bond offering since April 4, 2025. |
| 4. | Application has been made to list the global bonds on the Euro MTF. Copies of the following documents will, so long as any global bonds are listed on the Euro MTF, be available for inspection during usual business hours at the specified office of The Bank of New York Mellon SA/NV, Luxembourg Branch: |
| | copies of the registration statement, which includes the fiscal agency agreement and the form of the underwriting agreement as exhibits thereto; |
| | the Special Authority signed by the President of the Republic on December 26, 2025, and the approval-in-principle for the offer, issue and sale of the global bonds granted on October 30, 2025 by the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral; and |
| | In addition, so long as the global bonds are outstanding or listed on the Euro MTF, copies of the Philippines’ economic reports for each year in English (as and when available) will be available at the offices of the listing agent in Luxembourg during normal business hours on any weekday. The underwriting agreement, if any, and the fiscal agency agreement shall also be available free of charge at the office of the listing agent and the Luxembourg paying and transfer agent. In addition, this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein will be available free of charge at the office of the listing agent in Luxembourg and on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange’s web site. Application has been made to admit the global bonds to listing on the Official List of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and to trading on the Euro MTF. |
| 5. | The Bank of New York Mellon SA/NV, Luxembourg Branch has been appointed as the Luxembourg paying and transfer agent. For so long as the global bonds are listed on the Euro MTF and the rules of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange so require, the Republic will maintain a Luxembourg paying and transfer agent. |
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
The Republic has filed registration statement relating to its global bonds, including the global bonds offered by this prospectus supplement, and warrants with the SEC under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Neither this prospectus supplement nor the accompanying prospectus contains all of the information described in the registration statement. For further information, you should refer to the registration statement, including the documents incorporated by reference in the registration statement.
You can request copies of the registration statement, including its various exhibits, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC. You may also read and copy these documents at the SEC’s public reference room in Washington D.C.:
SEC Public Reference Room
100 F Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20549
Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information. These documents are also available to the public for free from the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov.
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Republic of the Philippines
Debt Securities and/or Warrants
The Republic of the Philippines (the “Republic”) may from time to time offer and sell its debt securities and warrants in amounts, at prices and on terms to be determined at the time of sale and provided in one or more supplements to this prospectus. The Republic may also offer debt securities in exchange for other debt securities or that are convertible into new debt securities. The Republic may offer securities with an aggregate principal amount of up to US$5,405,000,000 (or the equivalent in other currencies) in the United States. The Republic will provide specific terms of these securities in supplements to this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and any supplement carefully before you invest. This prospectus may not be used to offer or sell securities unless accompanied by a supplement. The Republic may sell the securities directly, through agents designated from time to time or through underwriters. The names of any agents or underwriters will be provided in the applicable prospectus supplement.
You should not assume that information in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any document incorporated by reference in them is accurate as of any date other than its date.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
This prospectus is dated April 4, 2025.
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This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities the Republic may offer under the shelf registration statement it has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Each time the Republic sells securities covered by this prospectus, it will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. If the information in this prospectus differs from any prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information contained in the prospectus supplement. You should read both this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement, together with additional information described below under the heading “Further Information.”
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Some of the statements contained in this prospectus under “Republic of the Philippines” are forward looking. They include statements concerning, among others:
| | the Republic’s economic, business and political conditions and prospects; |
| | the Republic’s financial stability; |
| | the depreciation or appreciation of the peso; |
| | changes in interest rates; and |
| | governmental, statutory, regulatory or administrative initiatives. |
Actual results may differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements due to various factors. These factors include, but are not limited to:
| | adverse external factors, such as high international interest rates and recession or low growth in the economies of the Republic’s trading partners. High international interest rates could increase the Republic’s current account deficit and budgetary expenditures. Recession or low growth in the economies of the Republic’s trading partners could lead to fewer exports from the Republic and, indirectly, lower growth in the Republic; |
| | instability or volatility in the international financial markets. This could lead to domestic volatility, making it more difficult for the Government to achieve its macroeconomic goals. This could also lead to declines in foreign direct and portfolio investment inflows; |
| | adverse domestic factors, such as a decline in domestic savings and investment, increases in domestic inflation, high domestic interest rates and exchange rate volatility. Each of these factors could lead to lower growth or lower international reserves; and |
| | other adverse factors, such as climatic or seismic events, the outbreak of diseases such as COVID-19, African swine flu, severe acute respiratory syndrome, middle east respiratory syndrome and avian influenza and political uncertainty. |
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The Republic is a subscriber to the IMF’s Special Data Dissemination Standard (“SDDS”), which is designed to improve the timeliness and quality of information of subscribing member countries. The SDDS requires subscribing member countries to provide schedules indicating, in advance, the date on which data will be released or the so-called “Advance Release Calendar.” For the Republic, precise dates or “no-later-than dates” for the release of data under the SDDS are disseminated three months in advance through the Advance Release Calendar, which is published on the Internet under the IMF’s Dissemination Standards Bulletin Board. Summary methodologies of all metadata to enhance transparency of statistical compilation are also provided on the Internet under the Dissemination Standards Bulletin Board. The Internet website for the Republic’s Advance Release Calendar and metadata is located at http://dsbb.imf.org/Pages/SDDS/CtyCtgList.aspx?ctycode=PHL.
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Ratings included herein are not a recommendation to purchase, hold or sell securities and may be changed, suspended or withdrawn at any time. The Republic’s current credit ratings and rating outlooks are dependent upon economic conditions and other factors affecting credit risk that are outside the control of the Republic. Each rating should be evaluated independently of the others. Detailed explanations of the ratings may be obtained from the rating agencies. The Republic discloses these ratings because, though the Republic has no control over ratings, they are important to the Republic’s ability to obtain the financing that it needs on terms that are favorable to it. A decision by a rating agency to downgrade the Republic’s credit rating may have an adverse impact on its ability to access funding and may increase its borrowing costs, while an upgrade in its rating may improve its access to funding and reduce its borrowing costs.
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Description of the Debt Securities
The Republic may issue debt securities in separate series at various times. Each series of the debt securities will be issued pursuant to a fiscal agency agreement (each, as applicable to a series of debt securities, the “Fiscal Agency Agreement”). The description below summarizes the material provisions of the debt securities that are common to all series and the Fiscal Agency Agreement. Since it is only a summary, the description may not contain all of the information that is important to you as a potential investor in the debt securities. Therefore, the Republic urges you to read the form of the Fiscal Agency Agreement and the form of the global bond before deciding whether to invest in the debt securities. The Republic has filed a copy of these documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. You should refer to such exhibits for more complete information.
The financial terms and other specific terms of your debt securities are described in the prospectus supplement relating to your debt securities. The description in the prospectus supplement will supplement this description or, to the extent inconsistent with this description, replace it.
You can find the definitions of certain capitalized terms in the subsection titled “Glossary of Certain Defined Terms” located at the end of this section.
General Terms of the Bonds
The prospectus supplement that relates to your debt securities will specify the following terms:
| | the aggregate principal amount and the designation; |
| | the currency or currencies or composite currencies of denomination and payment; |
| | any limitation on principal amount and authorized denominations; |
| | the percentage of their principal amount at which the debt securities will be issued; |
| | the maturity date or dates; |
| | the interest rate or rates, if any, for the debt securities and, if variable, the method by which the interest rate or rates will be calculated; |
| | whether any amount payable in respect of the debt securities will be determined based on an index or formula, and how any such amount will be determined; |
| | the dates from which interest, if any, will accrue for payment of interest and the record dates for any such interest payments; |
| | where and how the Republic will pay principal and interest; |
| | whether and in what circumstances the debt securities may be redeemed before maturity; |
| | any sinking fund or similar provision; |
| | whether any part or all of the debt securities will be in the form of a global security and the circumstances in which a global security is exchangeable for certificated securities; |
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| | if issued in certificated form, whether the debt securities will be in bearer form with interest coupons, if any, or in registered form without interest coupons, or both forms, and any restrictions on exchanges from one form to the other; and |
| | whether the debt securities will be designated “Collective Action Securities” (as described below under “Collective Action Securities”). |
If the Republic issues debt securities in bearer form, the prospectus supplement relating to the debt securities will also describe applicable U.S. federal income tax and other considerations additional to the disclosure in this prospectus.
Payments of Principal, Premium and Interest
On every payment date specified in the relevant prospectus supplement, the Republic will pay the principal, premium and/or interest due on that date to the registered holder of the relevant debt security at the close of business on the related record date. The record date will be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. The Republic will make all payments at the place and in the currency set out in the prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise specified in the relevant prospectus supplement or the debt securities, the Republic will make payments in U.S. dollars at the New York office of the fiscal agent or, outside the United States, at the office of any paying agent. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the Republic will pay interest by check, payable to the registered holder.
If the relevant debt security has joint holders, the check will be payable to all of them or to the person designated by the joint holders at least three business days before payment. The Republic will mail the check to the address of the registered holder in the bond register and, in the case of joint holders, to the address of the joint holder named first in the bond register.
The Republic will make any payment on debt securities in bearer form at the designated offices or agencies of the fiscal agent, or any other paying agent, outside of the United States. At the option of the holder of debt securities, the Republic will pay by check or by transfer to an account maintained by the payee with a bank located outside of the United States. The Republic will not make payments on bearer securities at the corporate trust office of the fiscal agent in the United States or at any other paying agency in the United States. In addition, the Republic will not make any payment by mail to an address in the United States or by transfer to an account with a bank in the United States. Nevertheless, the Republic will make payments on a bearer security denominated and payable in U.S. dollars at an office or agency in the United States if:
| | payment outside the United States is illegal or effectively precluded by exchange controls or other similar restrictions; and |
| | the payment is then permitted under United States law, without material adverse consequences to the Republic. |
If the Republic issues bearer securities, it will designate the offices of at least one paying agent outside the United States as the location for payment.
Repayment of Funds; Prescription
If no one claims money paid by the Republic to the fiscal agent for the payment of principal or interest for two years after the payment was due and payable, the fiscal agent or paying agent will repay the money to the Republic. After such repayment, the fiscal agent or paying agent will not be liable with respect to the amounts so repaid. However, the Republic’s obligations to pay the principal of, and interest on, the debt securities as they become due will not be affected by such repayment.
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You will not be permitted to submit a claim to the Republic for payment of principal or interest on any series of debt securities unless made within 10 years, in the case of principal, and five years, in the case of interest, from the date on which payment was due.
Global Securities
The prospectus supplement relating to a series of debt securities will indicate whether any of that series of debt securities will be represented by a global security. The prospectus supplement will also describe any unique specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to that series. Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, the Republic anticipates that the following provisions will apply to depositary arrangements.
Registered Ownership of the Global Security
The global security will be registered in the name of a depositary identified in the prospectus supplement, or its nominee, and will be deposited with the depositary, its nominee or a custodian. The depositary, or its nominee, will therefore be considered the sole owner or holder of debt securities represented by the global security for all purposes under the Fiscal Agency Agreement. Except as specified below or in the applicable prospectus supplement, beneficial owners:
| | will not be entitled to have any of the debt securities represented by the global security registered in their names; |
| | will not receive physical delivery of any debt securities in definitive form; |
| | will not be considered the owners or holders of the debt securities; |
| | must rely on the procedures of the depositary and, if applicable, any participants (institutions that have accounts with the depositary or a nominee of the depositary, such as securities brokers and dealers) to exercise any rights of a holder of the debt securities; and |
| | will receive payments of principal and interest from the depositary or its participants rather than directly from the Republic. |
The Republic understands that, under existing industry practice, the depositary and participants will allow beneficial owners to take all actions required of, and exercise all rights granted to, the registered holders of the debt securities.
The Republic will issue certificated securities and register debt securities in the name of a person other than the depositary or its nominee only if:
| | the depositary for a series of debt securities is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Republic does not appoint a successor depositary within 90 days; |
| | the Republic determines, in its sole discretion, not to have a series of debt securities represented by a global security; or |
| | a default occurs that entitles the holders of the debt securities to accelerate the maturity date and such default has not been cured. |
In these circumstances, an owner of a beneficial interest in a global security will be entitled to registration of a principal amount of debt securities equal to its beneficial interest in its name and to physical delivery of the debt securities in definitive form. Definitive debt securities in bearer form will not be issued in respect of a global security in registered form.
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Beneficial Interests in and Payments on a Global Security
Only participants, and persons that may hold beneficial interests through participants, can own a beneficial interest in the global security. The depositary keeps records of the ownership and transfer of beneficial interests in the global security by its participants. In turn, participants keep records of the ownership and transfer of beneficial interests in the global security by other persons (such as their customers). No other records of the ownership and transfer of beneficial interests in the global security will be kept.
All payments on a global security will be made to the depositary or its nominee. When the depositary receives payment of principal or interest on the global security, the Republic expects the depositary to credit its participants’ accounts with amounts that correspond to their respective beneficial interests in the global security.
The Republic also expects that, after the participants’ accounts are credited, the participants will credit the accounts of the owners of beneficial interests in the global security with amounts that correspond to the owners’ respective beneficial interests in the global security.
The depositary and its participants establish policies and procedures governing payments, transfers, exchanges and other important matters that affect owners of beneficial interests in a global security. The depositary and its participants may change these policies and procedures from time to time. The Republic has no responsibility or liability for the records of ownership of beneficial interests in the global security, or for payments made or not made to owners of such beneficial interests. The Republic also has no responsibility or liability for any aspect of the relationship between the depositary and its participants or for any aspect of the relationship between participants and owners of beneficial interests in the global security.
Bearer Securities
The Republic may issue debt securities of a series in the form of one or more bearer global debt securities deposited with a common depositary for the Euroclear System and Clearstream Banking, S.A., or with a nominee identified in the applicable prospectus supplement. The specific terms and procedures, including the specific terms of the depositary arrangement, with respect to any portion of a series of debt securities to be represented by a bearer global security will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Additional Amounts
Payments made by, or on behalf of the Republic, on the debt securities will be made without withholding or deducting any present or future taxes imposed by the Republic or any of its political subdivisions, unless required by law. If Philippine law requires taxes to be deducted or withheld, except as discussed below, holders of the debt securities will be paid such additional amounts as are necessary to ensure that they receive the same amount as they would have received without such withholding or deduction.
However, any additional amounts will not be paid if the liability for Philippine tax arises because:
| | the holder or beneficial owner of the debt securities is connected with the Republic other than by merely owning the debt security or receiving income or payments on the bond; |
| | the holder or beneficial owner of the debt securities failed to comply with any reasonable certification, identification or other reporting requirement concerning the holder’s nationality, residence, identity or connection with the Republic, if compliance with such requirement is required by any statute or regulation of the Republic as a precondition to exemption from withholding or deduction of taxes; or |
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| | the holder of the debt securities failed to present its debt security for payment within 30 days of when the payment is due or when the Republic makes available to the holder of the debt securities or the relevant fiscal or paying agent a payment of principal or interest, whichever is later. Nevertheless, the Republic will pay additional amounts to the extent the holder would have been entitled to such amounts had it presented its debt security for payment on the last day of the 30 day period. |
Status of Bonds
While outstanding, the debt securities will:
| | constitute direct, unconditional and unsecured obligations of the Republic; |
| | rank without any preference among themselves and at least equally in right of payment with all of the Republic’s other unsecured and unsubordinated External Indebtedness, except as described below; and |
| | continue to be backed by the full faith and credit of the Republic. |
It is understood that this provision shall not be construed so as to require the Republic to make payments under the debt securities ratably with payments being made under any debt securities or other indebtedness of the Republic.
Under Philippine law, unsecured debt (including guarantees of debt) of a borrower in insolvency or liquidation that is documented by a public instrument, as provided in Article 2244(14) of the Civil Code of the Republic, ranks ahead of unsecured debt that is not so documented. Debt is treated as documented by a public instrument if it is acknowledged before a notary or any person authorized to administer oaths in the Republic. The Government maintains that debt of the Republic is not subject to the preferences granted under Article 2244(14) or cannot be documented by a public instrument without acknowledgment of the Republic as debtor. The Philippine courts have never addressed this matter, however, and it is uncertain whether a document evidencing the Republic’s Peso or non-Peso denominated debt (including External Indebtedness), notarized without the Republic’s participation, would be considered documented by a public instrument. If such debt were considered documented by a public instrument, it would rank ahead of the debt securities if the Republic could not meet its debt obligations.
The Republic has represented that it has not prepared, executed or filed any public instrument, as provided in Article 2244(14) of the Civil Code of the Philippines, relating to any External Indebtedness. It also has not consented or assisted in the preparation or filing of any such public instrument. The Republic also agreed that it will not create any preference or priority in respect of any External Public Indebtedness pursuant to Article 2244(14) of the Civil Code of the Philippines unless its grants equal and ratable preference or priority to amounts payable under the debt securities.
Negative Pledge Covenant
If any debt securities are outstanding, the Republic will not create or permit any Liens on its assets or revenues as security for any of its External Public Indebtedness, unless the Lien also secures the Republic’s obligations under the debt securities. In addition, the Republic will not create any preference or priority for any of its External Public Indebtedness pursuant to Article 2244(14) of the Civil Code of the Philippines, or any successor law, unless it grants equal and ratable preference or priority to amounts due under the debt securities.
The Republic may create or permit a Lien:
| | on any property or asset (or any interest in such property or asset) incurred when the property or asset was purchased, improved, constructed, developed or redeveloped to secure payment of the cost of the activity; |
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| | arising out of the extension, renewal or replacement of any External Public Indebtedness that is permitted to be subject to a Lien pursuant to either of the previous bullet point, as long as the principal amount of the External Public Indebtedness so secured is not increased; |
| | arising in the ordinary course of banking transactions to secure External Public Indebtedness with a maturity not exceeding one year; |
| | existing on any property or asset at the time it was purchased, or arising after the acquisition under a contract entered into before and not in contemplation of the acquisition, and any extension and renewal of that Lien which is limited to the original property or asset and secures any extension or renewal of the original secured financing; |
that:
| (A) | arises pursuant to any legal process in connection with court proceedings so long as the enforcement of the Lien is stayed and the Republic is contesting the claims secured in good faith; or |
| (B) | secures the reimbursement obligation under any surety given in connection with the release of any Lien referred to in (A) above; if it is released or discharged within one year of imposition; or |
| | arising by operation of law, provided that any such Lien is not created or permitted to be created by the Republic for the purpose of securing any External Public Indebtedness. |
The international reserves of Bangko Sentral represent substantially all of the official gross international reserves of the Republic. Because Bangko Sentral is an independent entity, the Republic and Bangko Sentral believe that the debt securities’ negative pledge covenant does not apply to Bangko Sentral’s international reserves. Bangko Sentral could therefore incur External Indebtedness secured by international reserves without securing amounts payable under the debt securities.
Events of Default
The following description does not apply to any series of debt securities that has been designated Collective Action Securities. See “Collective Action Securities—Events of Default” below for a description of the corresponding terms of Collective Action Securities.
Each of the following constitutes an event of default with respect to any series of debt securities:
| (1) | Non-Payment |
the Republic does not pay principal or interest on any debt securities of such series when due and such failure continues for 30 days;
| (2) | Breach of Other Obligations |
the Republic fails to observe or perform any of the covenants in the series of debt securities (other than non-payment) for 60 days after written notice of the default is delivered by any holder of debt securities to the Republic at the corporate trust office of the fiscal agent in New York City;
| (3) | Cross Default and Cross Acceleration |
| (a) | the Republic fails to make a payment of principal, premium, prepayment charge or interest when due on any External Public Indebtedness with a principal amount equal to or greater than $25,000,000 or its equivalent, and this failure continues beyond the applicable grace period; or |
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| (b) | any External Public Indebtedness of the Republic or the central monetary authority in principal amount equal to or greater than $25,000,000 or its equivalent is accelerated, other than by optional or mandatory prepayment or redemption. |
For the purposes of this event of default, the U.S. dollar equivalent for non-U.S. dollar debt will be computed using the middle spot rate for the relevant currency against the U.S. dollar as quoted by The Bank of New York Mellon (or its successor in interest) on the date of determination;
| (4) | Moratorium |
the Republic declares a general moratorium on the payment of its or the central monetary authority’s External Indebtedness;
| (5) | Validity |
| (a) | the Republic, or any governmental body with the legal power and authority to declare such series of debt securities and the related Fiscal Agency Agreement invalid or unenforceable, challenges the validity of such series of debt securities or the related Fiscal Agency Agreement; |
| (b) | the Republic denies any of its obligations under such series of debt securities or the related Fiscal Agency Agreement; or |
| (c) | any legislative, executive or constitutional measure or final judicial decision renders any material provision of such series of debt securities or the related Fiscal Agency Agreement invalid or unenforceable or prevents or delays the performance of the Republic’s obligations under such series of debt securities or the related Fiscal Agency Agreement; |
| (6) | Failure of Authorizations |
any legislative, executive or constitutional authorisation necessary for the Republic to perform its material obligations under the series of debt securities or the related Fiscal Agency Agreement ceases to be in full force and effect or is modified in a manner materially prejudicial to the holders of the debt securities;
| (7) | Control of Assets |
the Republic or the central monetary authority does not at all times exercise full control over the Republic’s International Monetary Assets; or
| (8) | IMF Membership |
the Republic ceases to be a member of the IMF or loses its eligibility to use the general resources of the IMF.
The events described in paragraphs 2, 4, 5 and 6 will be events of default only if they materially prejudice the interests of holders of the debt securities.
If any of the above events of default occurs and is continuing, holders of the debt securities representing at least 25 per cent. in principal amount of the debt securities of that series then outstanding may declare all of the debt securities of the series to be due and payable immediately by written notice to the Republic and the fiscal agent. In the case of an event of default described in paragraphs 1 or 4 above, any holder of the debt securities may declare the principal amount of debt securities that it holds to be immediately due and payable by written notice to the Republic and the fiscal agent.
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Investors should note that:
| | despite the procedure described above, no debt securities may be declared due and payable if the Republic cures the applicable event of default before it receives the written notice from the holder of the debt securities; |
| | the Republic is not required to provide periodic evidence of the absence of defaults; and |
| | the Fiscal Agency Agreement does not require the Republic to notify holders of the debt securities of an event of default or grant any holder of the debt securities a right to examine the bond register. |
Modifications and Amendments; Bondholders’ Meetings
The following description does not apply to any series of debt securities that has been designated Collective Action Securities. See “Collective Action Securities—Modifications and Amendments; Bondholders’ Meetings” for a description of the corresponding terms of Collective Action Securities.
Each holder of a series of debt securities must consent to any amendment or modification of the terms of that series of debt securities or the Fiscal Agency Agreement that would:
| | change the stated maturity of the principal of the debt securities or any instalment of interest; |
| | reduce the principal amount of such series of debt securities or the portion of the principal amount payable upon acceleration of such debt securities; |
| | change the debt securities’ interest rate; |
| | change the currency of payment of principal or interest; |
| | change the obligation of the Republic to pay additional amounts on account of withholding taxes or deductions; or |
| | reduce the percentage of the outstanding principal amount needed to modify or amend the related Fiscal Agency Agreement or the terms of such series of debt securities. |
With respect to other types of amendment or modification, the Republic may, with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of a series that are outstanding, modify and amend that series of debt securities or, to the extent the modification or amendment affects that series of debt securities, the Fiscal Agency Agreement.
The Republic may at any time call a meeting of the holders of a series of debt securities to seek the holders’ approval of the modification, or amendment, or obtain a waiver, of any provision of that series of debt securities. The meeting will be held at the time and place in the Borough of Manhattan in New York City as determined by the Republic. The notice calling the meeting must be given at least 30 days and not more than 60 days prior to the meeting.
While an event of default with respect to a series of debt securities is continuing, holders of at least 10 per cent. of the aggregate principal amount of that series of debt securities may compel the fiscal agent to call a meeting of all holders of debt securities of that series.
The persons entitled to vote a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of the series that are outstanding at the time will constitute a quorum at a meeting of the holders of the debt securities. To vote at a meeting, a person must either hold outstanding debt securities of the relevant series or be duly appointed as a proxy for a holder of the debt securities. The fiscal agent will make all rules governing the conduct of any meeting.
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The Fiscal Agency Agreement and a series of debt securities may be modified or amended, without the consent of the holders of the debt securities, to:
| | add covenants of the Republic that benefit holders of the debt securities; |
| | surrender any right or power given to the Republic; |
| | secure the debt securities; or |
| | cure any ambiguity or correct or supplement any defective provision in the Fiscal Agency Agreement or the debt securities, without materially and adversely affecting the interests of the holders of the debt securities. |
Replacement of Debt Securities
If a debt security becomes mutilated, defaced, destroyed, lost or stolen, the Republic may issue, and the fiscal agent will authenticate and deliver, a substitute debt security. The Republic and the fiscal agent will require proof of any claim that a debt security was destroyed, lost or stolen.
The applicant for a substitute debt security must indemnify the Republic, the fiscal agent and any other agent for any losses they may suffer relating to the debt security that was destroyed, lost or stolen. The applicant will be required to pay all expenses and reasonable charges associated with the replacement of the mutilated, defaced, destroyed, lost or stolen debt security.
Fiscal Agent
The Republic will appoint a fiscal agent or agents in connection with each series of the debt securities whose duties will be governed by the related Fiscal Agency Agreement. Different fiscal agents may be appointed for different series of debt securities. The Republic may maintain bank accounts and a banking relationship with each fiscal agent. Each fiscal agent is the agent of the Republic and does not act as a trustee for the holders of the debt securities.
Notices
All notices will be mailed to the registered holders of a series of debt securities. If a depositary is the registered holder of global securities, each beneficial holder must rely on the procedures of the depositary and its participants to receive notices, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements.
If the Republic lists a series of debt securities on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, and the rules of that exchange so require, all notices to holders of that series of debt securities will be published in a daily newspaper of general circulation in Luxembourg. The Republic expects that the Luxemburger Wort will be the newspaper. If notice cannot be published in an appropriate newspaper, notice will be considered validly given if made pursuant to the rules of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.
Governing Law
The Fiscal Agency Agreement and the debt securities will be governed by the laws of the State of New York without regard to any principles of New York law requiring the application of the laws of another jurisdiction. Nevertheless, all matters governing the authorisation, execution and delivery of the debt securities and the Fiscal Agency Agreement by the Republic will be governed by the laws of the Republic.
Further Issues of Debt Securities
The following description does not apply to any series of debt securities that has been designated Collective Action Securities. See “Collective Action Securities—Further Issues of Debt Securities” for a description of the corresponding terms of Collective Action Securities.
The Republic may, without the consent of the holders of the debt securities, create and issue additional debt securities with the same terms and conditions as any series of bonds (or that are the same in all respects except for the amount of the first interest payment and for the interest paid on the series of debt securities prior to the issuance of the additional debt securities). The Republic may consolidate such additional debt securities with the outstanding debt securities to form a single series. Any further debt securities forming a single series with the outstanding debt securities of any series constituted by a Fiscal Agency Agreement shall be constituted by an agreement supplemental to such relevant Fiscal Agency Agreement.
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Jurisdiction and Enforceability
The Republic is a foreign sovereign government and your ability to collect on judgments of U.S. courts against the Republic may be limited.
The Republic will irrevocably appoint the Philippine Consul General in New York, New York as its authorized agent to receive service of process in any suit based on any series of debt securities which any holder of the debt securities may bring in any state or federal court in New York City. The Republic submits to the jurisdiction of any state or federal court in New York City or any competent court in the Republic in such action. The Republic waives, to the extent permitted by law, any objection to proceedings in such courts. The Republic also waives irrevocably any immunity from jurisdiction to which it might otherwise be entitled in any suit based on any series of debt securities.
Because of its waiver of immunity, the Republic would be subject to suit in competent courts in the Republic. A judgment against the Republic in state or federal court in New York City would be recognized and enforced by the courts of the Republic in any enforcement action without re-examining the issues if:
| | such judgment was not obtained by collusion or fraud; |
| | the foreign court rendering such judgment had jurisdiction over the case; |
| | the Republic had proper notice of the proceedings before the foreign court; and |
| | such judgment was not based upon a clear mistake of law or fact. |
Notwithstanding any of the above, the Philippine Consul General is not the agent for receipt of service for suits under the U.S. federal or state securities laws, and the Republic’s waiver of immunity does not extend to those actions. In addition, the Republic does not waive immunity relating to its:
| | properties and assets used by a diplomatic or consular mission; |
| | properties and assets under the control of its military authority or defense agency; and |
| | properties and assets located in the Republic and dedicated to public or governmental use. |
If you bring a suit against the Republic under U.S. federal or state securities laws, unless the Republic waives immunity, you would be able to obtain a United States judgment against the Republic only if a court determined that the Republic is not entitled to sovereign immunity under the United States Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act. Even if you obtained a United States judgment in any such suit, you may not be able to enforce the judgment in the Republic. Moreover, you may not be able to enforce a judgment obtained under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act against the Republic’s property located in the United States except under the limited circumstances specified in the act.
Glossary of Certain Defined Terms
Certain definitions used in the Fiscal Agency Agreement are set forth below. For a full explanation of all of these terms or any capitalized terms used in this section you should refer to the Fiscal Agency Agreement.
“External Indebtedness” means Indebtedness denominated or payable by its terms, or at the option of the holder, in a currency or currencies other than that of the Republic;
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“External Public Indebtedness” means any External Indebtedness in the form of bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments or other securities which is, or is eligible to be, quoted, listed or ordinarily purchased and sold on any stock exchange, automated trading system or over-the-counter or other securities market;
“Foreign Exchange”, “Reserve Positions in the Fund” and “Special Drawing Rights,” have, as to the type of assets included, the meanings given to them in the IMF’s publication entitled “International Financial Statistics” or any other meaning formally adopted by the IMF from time to time.
“Indebtedness” means any indebtedness for money borrowed or any guarantee of indebtedness for money borrowed;
“International Monetary Assets” means all (i) gold, (ii) Special Drawing Rights, (iii) Reserve Positions in the Fund and (iv) Foreign Exchange; and
“Lien” means any mortgage, deed of trust, charge, pledge, lien or other encumbrance or preferential arrangement which has the practical effect of constituting a security interest;
Description of the Warrants
Each series of warrants will be issued under a warrant agreement (each, as applicable to a series of warrants, the “Warrant Agreement”) to be entered into between the Republic and a bank or trust company as warrant agent. The description below summarises some of the provisions of warrants for the purchase of bonds that the Republic may issue from time to time and of the Warrant Agreement. Copies of the forms of warrants and the Warrant Agreement are or will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Since it is only a summary, the description may not contain all of the information that is important to you as a potential investor in the warrants.
The description of the warrants that will be contained in the prospectus supplement will supplement this description and, to the extent inconsistent with this description, replace it.
General Terms of the Warrants
The prospectus supplement relating to the series of warrants will set forth:
| | the terms of the bonds purchasable upon exercise of the warrants, as described above under “Description of the Debt Securities—General Terms of the Bonds”; |
| | the principal amount of bonds purchasable upon exercise of one warrant and the exercise price; |
| | the procedures and conditions for the exercise of the warrants; |
| | the dates on which the right to exercise the warrants begins and expires; |
| | whether and under what conditions the warrants and any bonds issued with the warrants will be separately transferable; |
| | whether the warrants will be issued in certificated or global form and, if in global form, information with respect to applicable depositary arrangements; |
| | if issued in certificated form, whether the warrants will be issued in registered or bearer form, whether they will be exchangeable between such forms, and, if issued in registered form, where they may be transferred and registered; |
| | a description of the tax consequences of an investment in warrants; and |
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| | other specific provisions. |
The warrants will be subject to the provisions set forth under “ —Description of the Debt Securities.”
Limitations on Issuance of Bearer Debt Securities
Bearer securities will not be offered, sold or delivered in the United States or its possessions or to a United States person, except in certain circumstances permitted by U.S. Treasury Regulations. Bearer securities will initially be represented by temporary global securities (without interest coupons) deposited with a common depositary in London for the Euroclear System for credit to designated accounts. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement:
| | each temporary global security will be exchangeable for definitive bearer securities on or after the date that is 40 days after issuance only upon receipt of certification of non-United States beneficial ownership of the temporary global security as provided in United States tax regulations, provided that no bearer security will be mailed or otherwise delivered to any location in the United States in connection with the exchange; and |
| | any interest payable on any portion of a temporary global security with respect to any interest payment date occurring prior to the issuance of definitive bearer securities will be paid only upon receipt of certification of non-United States beneficial ownership of the temporary global security as provided in United States tax regulations. |
Bearer securities (other than temporary global debt securities) and any related coupons will bear the following legend: “Any United States person who holds this obligation will be subject to limitations under the United States federal income tax laws, including the limitations provided in Sections 165(j) and 1287(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.” The sections referred to in the legend provide that, with certain exceptions, a United States person who holds a bearer security or coupon will not be allowed to deduct any loss realized on the disposition of the bearer security, and any gain (which might otherwise be characterized as capital gain) recognized on the disposition will be treated as ordinary income.
For the purposes of this section, “United States person” means:
| | an individual citizen or resident of the United States; |
| | a corporation, partnership or other entity created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof; |
| | an estate, the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source; or |
| | a trust if a United States court is able to exercise primary supervision over the trust’s administration and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all of the trust’s substantial decisions. |
For the purposes of this section, “United States” means the United States of America (including the States and the District of Columbia), its territories, its possessions and other areas subject to its jurisdiction.
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The Republic may designate a particular series of debt securities to be “Collective Action Securities,” the specific terms of which will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to such series of debt securities. Collective Action Securities will have the same terms and conditions as the securities described under the heading “Description of the Debt Securities” above, except that such Collective Action Securities shall contain different provisions relating to certain aspects of default, acceleration, voting on amendments, modifications, changes or waivers and further issues of debt securities as follows:
Events of Default
Each of the following constitutes an event of default with respect to any series of debt securities:
| (1) | Non-Payment |
the Republic does not pay principal or interest on any debt securities of such series when due and such failure continues for 30 days;
| (2) | Breach of Other Obligations |
the Republic fails to observe or perform any of the covenants in the series of debt securities (other than non-payment) for 60 days after written notice of the default is delivered by any holder of debt securities to the Republic at the corporate trust office of the fiscal agent in New York City;
| (3) | Cross Default and Cross Acceleration |
| (a) | the Republic fails to make a payment of principal, premium, prepayment charge or interest when due on any External Public Indebtedness with a principal amount equal to or greater than $25,000,000 or its equivalent, and this failure continues beyond the applicable grace period; or |
| (b) | any External Public Indebtedness of the Republic or the central bank of the Republic in principal amount equal to or greater than $25,000,000 or its equivalent is accelerated, other than by optional or mandatory prepayment or redemption. |
For the purposes of this event of default, the U.S. dollar equivalent for non-U.S. dollar debt will be computed using the middle spot rate for the relevant currency against the U.S. dollar as quoted by The Bank of New York Mellon (or its successor in interest) on the date of determination;
| (4) | Moratorium |
the Republic declares a general moratorium on the payment of its or the central monetary authority’s External Indebtedness;
| (5) | Validity |
| (a) | the Republic, or any governmental body with the legal power and authority to declare such series of debt securities and the related Fiscal Agency Agreement invalid or unenforceable, challenges the validity of such series of debt securities or the related Fiscal Agency Agreement; |
| (b) | the Republic denies any of its obligations under such series of debt securities or the related Fiscal Agency Agreement; or |
| (c) | any legislative, executive or constitutional measure or final judicial decision renders any material provision of such series of debt securities or the related Fiscal Agency Agreement invalid or unenforceable or prevents or delays the performance of the Republic’s obligations under such series of debt securities or the related Fiscal Agency Agreement; |
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| (6) | Failure of Authorizations |
any legislative, executive or constitutional authorisation necessary for the Republic to perform its material obligations under the series of debt securities or the related Fiscal Agency Agreement ceases to be in full force and effect or is modified in a manner materially prejudicial to the holders of the debt securities;
| (7) | Control of Assets |
the Republic or the central bank of the Republic does not at all times exercise full control over the Republic’s International Monetary Assets; or
| (8) | IMF Membership |
the Republic ceases to be a member of the IMF or loses its eligibility to use the general resources of the IMF.
The events described in paragraphs 2, 4, 5 and 6 will be events of default only if they materially prejudice the interests of holders of the debt securities.
If any of the above events of default occurs and is continuing, holders of the debt securities representing at least 25 per cent. in principal amount of the debt securities of that series then outstanding may declare all of the debt securities of the series to be due and payable immediately by written notice to the Republic and the fiscal agent. The holders of more than 50 per cent. of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the affected series may rescind a declaration of acceleration if the event or events of default giving rise to the declaration have been cured or waived.
Investors should note that:
| | despite the procedure described above, no debt securities may be declared due and payable if the Republic cures the applicable event of default before it receives the written notice from the holders of the debt securities; |
| | the Republic is not required to provide periodic evidence of the absence of defaults; and |
| | the Fiscal Agency Agreement does not require the Republic to notify holders of the debt securities of an event of default or grant any holder of the debt securities a right to examine the bond register. |
Modifications and Amendments; Bondholders’ Meetings
The Republic may call a meeting of holders of debt securities of any series at any time. The Republic will determine the time and place of the meeting and will notify the holders of the time, place and purpose of the meeting not less than 30 and not more than 60 days before the meeting.
In addition, the Republic or the fiscal agent will call a meeting of holders of debt securities of any series if the holders of at least 10 per cent. in principal amount of all debt securities of the series then outstanding have delivered a written request to the Republic or the fiscal agent (with a copy to the Republic) setting out the purpose of the meeting. Within 10 days of receipt of such written request or copy thereof, the Republic will notify the fiscal agent and the fiscal agent will notify the holders of the time, place and purpose of the meeting, to take place not less than 30 and not more than 60 days after the date on which such notification is given.
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Only holders of debt securities of the relevant series and their proxies are entitled to vote at a meeting. The Republic will set the procedures governing the conduct of the meeting and if additional procedures are required, the Republic will establish such procedures as are customary in the market.
Modifications may also be approved by holders of debt securities pursuant to written action with the consent of the requisite percentage of debt securities of the relevant series. The fiscal agent will solicit the consent of the relevant holders to the modification not less than 10 and not more than 30 days before the expiration date for the receipt of such consents as specified by the fiscal agent.
The holders of a series of debt securities may generally approve any proposal by the Republic to modify or take action with respect to the Fiscal Agency Agreement or the terms of the debt securities of that series with the affirmative vote (if approved at a meeting of the holders) or consent (if approved by written action) of holders of more than 50 per cent. of the outstanding principal amount of the debt securities of that series.
Holders of any series of debt securities issued under the Fiscal Agency Agreement may approve, by vote or consent through one of three modification methods described below, any modification, amendment, supplement or waiver proposed by the Republic that would do any of the following (such subjects referred to as “reserve matters”) with respect to such series of debt securities:
| | change the date on which any amount is payable; |
| | reduce the principal amount (other than in accordance with the express terms of the debt securities and the Fiscal Agency Agreement); |
| | reduce the interest rate; |
| | change the method used to calculate any amount payable (other than in accordance with the express terms of the debt securities and the Fiscal Agency Agreement); |
| | change the currency or place of payment of any amount payable; |
| | modify the Republic’s obligation to make any other payments (including any redemption price therefor); |
| | change the identity of the obligor; |
| | change the definition of “outstanding” or the percentage of affirmative votes or written consents, as the case may be, required to make a reserve matter modification; |
| | change the definition of “Uniformly Applicable,” “reserve matter” or “reserve matter modification;” |
| | authorise the fiscal agent, on behalf of all holders of the debt securities, to exchange or substitute all the debt securities for, or convert all the debt securities into, other obligations or securities of the Republic or any other person; or |
| | change the legal ranking, governing law, submission to jurisdiction or waiver of immunities provisions of the terms of such debt securities. |
A change to a reserve matter, including the payment terms of the debt securities of any series, can be made without the holder’s consent, as long as the change is approved, pursuant to one of the three following modification methods, by vote or consent by:
| | in the case of a proposed modification to a single series of debt securities, the holders of more than 75 per cent. of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series; |
| | where such proposed modification would affect the outstanding debt securities of any two or more series issued under the Fiscal Agency Agreement, the holders of more than 75 per cent. of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of all series affected by the proposed modification, taken in the aggregate, if certain Uniformly Applicable requirements are met; or |
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| | where such proposed modification would affect the outstanding debt securities of any two or more series issued under the Fiscal Agency Agreement, whether or not the Uniformly Applicable requirements are met, the holders of more than 662⁄3 per cent. of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of all series affected by the proposed modification, taken in the aggregate, and the holders of more than 50 per cent. of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series affected by the modification, taken individually. |
Any modification consented to or approved by the holders of debt securities pursuant to the above provisions will be conclusive and binding on all holders of the relevant series of debt securities or all holders of all series of debt securities affected by a cross-series modification, as the case may be, whether or not they have given such consent or approval, and on all future holders of those debt securities whether or not notation of such modification is made upon the debt securities. Any instrument given by or on behalf of any holder of a debt security in connection with any consent to or approval of any such modification will be conclusive and binding on all subsequent holders of that debt security.
For so long as any series of Existing Securities are outstanding, if the Republic certifies to the fiscal agent and to the fiscal agent under the Existing Fiscal Agency Agreement that a cross-series modification is being sought simultaneously with an Existing Fiscal Agency Agreement Reserve Matter Modification, the Existing Securities affected by such Existing Fiscal Agency Agreement Reserve Matter Modification shall be treated as “series affected by that proposed modification” as that phrase is used in the Fiscal Agency Agreement with respect to both cross-series modifications with single aggregated voting and cross-series modifications with two-tier voting; provided, that if the Republic seeks a cross-series modification with single aggregated voting, in determining whether such modification will be considered Uniformly Applicable, the holders of any series of Existing Securities affected by the Existing Fiscal Agency Agreement Reserve Matter Modification shall be deemed “holders of securities of all series affected by that modification,” for the purpose of the Uniformly Applicable definition. It is the intention that in the circumstances described in respect of any cross-series modification, the votes of the holders of the affected Existing Securities be counted for purposes of the voting thresholds specified in the Fiscal Agency Agreement for the applicable cross-series modification as though those Existing Securities had been affected by that cross-series modification although the effectiveness of any modification, as it relates to the Existing Securities, shall be governed exclusively by the terms and conditions of those Existing Securities and by the Existing Fiscal Agency Agreement; provided, however, that no such modification as to the affected Existing Securities will be effective unless such modification shall have also been adopted by the holders of the Existing Securities pursuant to the amendment and modification provisions of such Existing Securities.
The Republic may select, in its discretion, any modification method for a reserve matter modification in accordance with the Fiscal Agency Agreement and to designate which series of debt securities will be included for approval in the aggregate of modifications affecting two or more series of debt securities. Any selection of a modification method or designation of series to be included will be final for the purpose of that vote or consent solicitation.
“Uniformly Applicable” as referred to above, means a modification by which holders of debt securities of any series affected by that modification are invited to exchange, convert or substitute their debt securities on the same terms for (x) the same new instruments or other consideration or (y) new instruments or other consideration from an identical menu of instruments or other consideration. It is understood that a modification will not be considered to be uniformly applicable if each exchanging, converting or substituting holder of debt securities of any series affected by that modification is not offered the same amount of consideration per amount of principal, the same amount of consideration per amount of interest accrued but unpaid and the same amount of consideration per amount of past due interest, respectively, as that offered to each other exchanging, converting or substituting holder of debt securities of any series affected by that modification (or, where a menu of instruments or other consideration is offered, each exchanging, converting or substituting holder of debt securities of any series affected by that modification is not offered the same amount of consideration per amount of principal, the same amount of consideration per amount of interest accrued but unpaid and the same amount of consideration per amount of past due interest, respectively, as that offered to each other exchanging, converting or substituting holder of debt securities of any series affected by that modification electing the same option under such menu of instruments).
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As used in the preceding paragraphs:
“Existing Securities” means any of the 1999 Securities, 2004 Securities and 2006 Securities, as applicable;
“Existing Fiscal Agency Agreement” means any of the 1999 Fiscal Agency Agreement, 2004 Fiscal Agency Agreement and 2006 Fiscal Agency Agreement, as applicable;
“Existing Fiscal Agency Agreement Reserve Matter Modification” means any modification to the terms and conditions of one or more series of the Existing Securities pursuant to Section 12 of the 1999 Fiscal Agency Agreement, Section 19 of the 2004 Fiscal Agency Agreement or Section 19 of the 2006 Fiscal Agency Agreement, as applicable;
“1999 Securities” means Securities authenticated and delivered under the 1999 Fiscal Agency Agreement;
“2004 Securities” means Securities authenticated and delivered under the 2004 Fiscal Agency Agreement;
“2006 Securities” means Securities authenticated and delivered under the 2006 Fiscal Agency Agreement;
“1999 Fiscal Agency Agreement” means the Fiscal Agency Agreement dated as of October 4, 1999 between the Republic of the Philippines, as issuer, and the fiscal agent named therein;
“2004 Fiscal Agency Agreement” means the Fiscal Agency Agreement dated as of October 4, 1999 between the Republic of the Philippines, as issuer, and the fiscal agent named therein, as amended by Supplement No. 1 to the Fiscal Agency Agreement dated as of February 26, 2004;
“2006 Fiscal Agency Agreement” means the Fiscal Agency Agreement dated as of October 4, 1999 between the Republic of the Philippines, as issuer, and the fiscal agent named therein, as amended by Supplement No. 1 to the Fiscal Agency Agreement dated as of February 26, 2004 and Supplement No. 2 to the Fiscal Agency Agreement dated as of January 11, 2006;
Before soliciting any consent or vote of any holder of debt securities for any change to a reserve matter, the Republic will provide the following information to the fiscal agent for distribution to the holders of debt securities of any series that would be affected by the proposed modification:
| | a description of the Republic’s economic and financial circumstances that are in the Republic’s opinion, relevant to the request for the proposed modification, a description of the Republic’s existing debts and a description of its broad policy reform program and provisional macroeconomic outlook; |
| | if the Republic shall at the time have entered into an arrangement for financial assistance with multilateral and/or other major creditors or creditor groups and/or an agreement with any such creditors regarding debt relief, (x) a description of any such arrangement or agreement and (y) where permitted under the information disclosure policies of the multilateral or other creditors, as applicable, a copy of the arrangement or agreement; |
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| | a description of the Republic’s proposed treatment of external debt instruments that are not affected by the proposed modification and its intentions with respect to any other major creditor groups; and |
| | if the Republic is then seeking any reserve matter modification affecting any other series of debt securities, a description of that proposed modification. |
Other Amendments
The Republic and the fiscal agent may, without the vote or consent of any holder of debt securities of any series, amend the Fiscal Agency Agreement (as it refers to such series) or such debt securities for the purpose of:
| | adding to the Republic’s covenants for the benefit of the holders of the debt securities of that series; |
| | surrendering any of the Republic’s rights or powers with respect to the debt securities of that series; |
| | securing the debt securities of that series; |
| | curing any ambiguity or curing, correcting or supplementing any defective provision in the debt securities of that series or the Fiscal Agency Agreement; |
| | amending the debt securities of that series or the Fiscal Agency Agreement in any manner that the Republic may determine and that does not materially adversely affect the interests of any holders of the debt securities of that series; or |
| | correcting in the opinion of the Republic, a manifest error of a formal, minor or technical nature. |
For purposes of determining whether the required percentage of holders of the debt securities of a series has approved any amendment, modification or change to, or waiver of, the debt securities or the Fiscal Agency Agreement, or whether the required percentage of holders has delivered a notice of acceleration of the debt securities of that series, debt securities owned, directly or indirectly, by the Republic or any public sector instrumentality of the Republic will be disregarded and deemed not to be outstanding. As used in this paragraph, “public sector instrumentality” means Bangko Sentral, any department, ministry or agency of the Republic or any corporation, trust, financial institution or other entity owned or controlled by the Republic or any of the foregoing, and “control” means the power, directly or indirectly, through the ownership of voting securities or other ownership interests or otherwise, to direct the management of or elect or appoint a majority of the board of directors or other persons performing similar functions in lieu of, or in addition to, the board of directors of a corporation, trust, financial institution or other entity.
Further Issues of Debt Securities
The Republic may, without the consent of the holders of the debt securities, create and issue additional debt securities with the same terms and conditions as any series of bonds (or that are the same in all respects except for the amount of the first interest payment and for the interest paid on the series of debt securities prior to the issuance of the additional debt securities) provided, however, that unless such additional debt securities are issued under a separate CUSIP, ISIN or other identification number, such additional debt securities are issued either (i) pursuant to a “qualified reopening” for U.S. federal income tax purposes of the original series of debt securities, (ii) with less than a de minimis amount of original issue discount or (iii) otherwise as part of the same “issue” for U.S. federal income tax purposes as the original series of debt securities. The Republic may consolidate such additional debt securities with the outstanding debt securities to form a single series. Any further debt securities forming a single series with the outstanding debt securities of any series constituted by a Fiscal Agency Agreement shall be constituted by a supplement to such relevant Fiscal Agency Agreement.
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The following discussion summarises certain Philippine and U.S. federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to you if you invest in debt securities of the Republic. This summary is based on laws, regulations, rulings and decisions now in effect, all of which may change. Any change could apply retroactively and could affect the continued validity of this summary.
This summary does not describe all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to you or your situation, particularly if you are subject to special tax rules. You should consult your tax advisor about the tax consequences of holding debt securities, including the relevance to your particular situation of the considerations discussed below, as well as of state, local or other tax laws.
Philippine Taxation
The following is a summary of certain Philippine tax consequences that may be relevant to non-Philippine holders of the debt securities in connection with the holding and disposition of the debt securities. The Republic uses the term “non-Philippine holders” to refer to (i) non-residents of the Philippines who are neither citizens of the Philippines nor are engaged in trade or business within the Philippines or (ii) non-Philippine corporations not engaged in trade or business in the Philippines.
This summary is based on Philippine laws, rules, and regulations in effect as of the date of this prospectus, all of which are subject to change and may apply retroactively. It is not intended to constitute a complete analysis of the tax consequences under Philippine law of the receipt, ownership, or disposition of the debt securities, in each case by non-Philippine holders, nor to describe any of the tax consequences that may be applicable to citizens or residents of the Republic.
If you are not a non-Philippine holder, you should consult your tax advisor about the consequences of holding these debt securities.
Effect of Holding Global Bonds
Payments by the Republic of principal of and interest on the debt securities to a non-Philippine holder will not subject such non-Philippine holder to taxation in the Philippines by reason solely of the holding of the debt securities or the receipt of principal or interest in respect thereof.
Taxation of Interest on the Global Bonds
When the Republic makes payments of principal and interest to you, as a non-Philippine holder of the debt securities, no amount will be withheld from such payments for, or on account of, any taxes of any kind imposed, levied, withheld or assessed by the Philippines or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein.
Taxation of Capital Gains
Non-Philippine holders of the debt security will not be subject to Philippine income or withholding tax in connection with the sale, exchange, or retirement of a debt security if such sale, exchange or retirement is made outside the Philippines or an exemption is available under an applicable tax treaty in force between the Philippines and the country of domicile of the non-Philippine holder. If the debt securities have a maturity of more than five years from the date of issuance, any gains realized by a holder of the debt security will not, under the Philippine Tax Code, be subject to Philippine income tax.
Documentary Stamp Taxes
No documentary stamp tax is imposed upon the transfer of the debt securities. A documentary stamp tax at the rate of P1.50 for every P200.00 of the issue value of the debt securities is payable upon the issuance of the debt securities and will be for the account of the Republic.
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Estate and Donor’s Taxes
The transfer of a debt security by way of succession upon the death of a non-Philippine holder will be subject to Philippine estate tax at a fixed rate of 6 per cent. based on the value of the net estate.
The transfer of a debt security by gift to an individual who is related or unrelated to the non-Philippine holder will generally be subject to a Philippine donor’s tax at a fixed rate of 6 per cent. based on the total gifts in excess of P250,000 during the relevant calendar year.
The foregoing apply even if the holder is a non-Philippine holder. However, the Republic will not collect estate and donor’s taxes on the transfer of the debt securities by gift or succession if the deceased at the time of death, or the donor at the time of donation, was a citizen and resident of a foreign country that provides certain reciprocal rights to citizens of the Philippines (a “Reciprocating Jurisdiction”). For these purposes, a Reciprocating Jurisdiction is a foreign country which at the time of death or donation (i) did not impose a transfer tax of any character in respect of intangible personal property of citizens of the Philippines not residing in that foreign country or (ii) allowed a similar exemption from transfer or death taxes of every character or description in respect of intangible personal property owned by citizens of the Philippines not residing in that foreign country.
United States Tax Considerations
The following discussion summarises material U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to you if you invest in debt securities in an offering. This discussion is subject in its entirety to any additional discussion included in any applicable prospectus supplement. This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations, published rulings, administrative pronouncements, and court decisions, all as of the date of this prospectus and all subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Any such change could affect the tax consequences described below. This summary deals only with beneficial owners of debt securities that will hold debt securities as capital assets. The discussion does not cover all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to, or the actual tax effect that any of the matters described herein will have on, the acquisition, ownership or disposition of debt securities by particular investors (including consequences under the alternative minimum tax or net investment income tax), and does not address state, local, U.S. estate and gift, non-U.S. or other tax laws. It also does not address considerations that may be relevant to you if you are an investor that is subject to special tax rules (such as a financial institution, real estate investment trust, regulated investment company, insurance company, dealer in securities or currencies, trader in securities or commodities that elects mark to market treatment, a person that will hold debt securities in an individual retirement account or other tax deferred account, as a hedge against currency risk or as a position in a “straddle” or conversion transaction, a tax exempt organisation, a U.S. holder (as defined below) that is required to take certain amounts into income no later than the time such amounts are reflected on an applicable financial statement, a person that has ceased to be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States, an investor holding the debt securities in connection with a trade or business conducted outside of the United States, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident living abroad or a U.S. holder whose “functional currency” is not the U.S. dollar).
You will be a U.S. holder if you are, for U.S. income tax purposes: (i) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof (including the District of Columbia), (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source or (iv) a trust if a court within the United States is able to execute primary supervision over its administration and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all the substantial decisions of such trust. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, to the extent provided in U.S. Treasury Regulations, certain trusts in existence on August 20, 1996, treated as United States persons prior to such date, and that have a valid election in effect to be treated as a United States person, shall also be considered U.S. holders.
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A “non-U.S. holder” is any person (other than an entity treated as a partnership, or as a disregarded entity that is owned by a U.S. person, in each case for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is not a U.S. holder.
If you are a partner in an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes that holds debt securities, the tax consequences of an investment in debt securities will generally depend on the status of the partners and the activities of the partnership. Prospective purchasers that are entities or arrangements treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes should consult their tax advisors concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences to them and their partners of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of debt securities by the partnership.
You should consult your own tax advisor concerning the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences to you of ownership and disposition of debt securities, as well as the consequences to you arising under state and local tax laws, U.S. estate and gift tax laws, and the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction, and possible changes in tax law.
Bearer debt securities are not being offered to U.S. holders. A U.S. holder who owns a bearer debt security will be subject to limitations under U.S. federal income tax laws, including the limitations provided in sections 1650) and 1287(a) of the Code.
United States Holders
Payments or Accruals of Interest
Payments or accruals of “qualified stated interest” (as defined below) and additional amounts on a debt security will be taxable to you as ordinary interest income at the time that you receive or accrue such amounts (in accordance with your regular method of tax accounting). If you use the cash method of tax accounting and you receive payments of interest pursuant to the terms of a debt security in a currency other than U.S. dollars (a “foreign currency”), the amount of interest income you will realise will be the U.S. dollar value of the foreign currency payment based on the exchange rate in effect on the date you receive the payment regardless of whether you convert the payment into U.S. dollars. If you are an accrual basis U.S. holder, the amount of interest income you will realise will be based on the average exchange rate in effect during the interest accrual period (or with respect to an interest accrual period that spans two taxable years, at the average exchange rate for the partial period within each taxable year). Alternatively, an accrual basis U.S. holder may elect to translate all interest income on foreign currency denominated debt securities at the spot rate of exchange on the last day of the accrual period (or the last day of the accrual period in each taxable year, in the case of an accrual period that spans more than one taxable year), or on the date that you receive the interest payment if that date is within five business days of the end of the accrual period. If you make this election, you must apply it consistently to all debt instruments from year to year and you cannot change the election without the consent of the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”). If you use the accrual method of accounting for tax purposes, you will recognise foreign currency gain or loss on the receipt of a foreign currency interest payment if the exchange rate in effect on the date the payment is received differs from the rate applicable to a previous accrual of that interest income regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars. This foreign currency gain or loss will be treated as U.S. source ordinary income or loss but generally will not be treated as an adjustment to interest income received on the debt security.
Payments of interest on the debt securities and original issue discount (as defined below), if any, accrued with respect to the debt securities will be treated as non-U.S. source income for the purposes of calculating a U.S. holder’s foreign tax credit limitation. The limitation on non-U.S. taxes eligible for the U.S. foreign tax credit is calculated separately with respect to specific classes of income. The rules relating to foreign tax credits and the timing thereof are very complex, and the creditability of any non-U.S. taxes is subject to significant, complex and evolving limitations. You should consult your own tax advisors regarding the availability of a foreign tax credit (or alternatively, deduction) under your particular situation
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Sale, Exchange or Retirement of Debt Securities
You will generally recognize gain or loss on the sale, exchange or retirement of debt securities equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale, exchange or retirement (less any accrued but unpaid interest not previously included in income, which will be subject to tax in the manner described above under “Payments or Accruals of Interest”) and the adjusted tax basis of the debt securities. Your adjusted tax basis in a debt security generally will equal the cost of the debt security to you increased by any amounts that you are required to include in income under the rules governing original issue discount and market discount and will decrease by the amount of any amortized premium and any payments other than qualified stated interest made on the debt security. The rules for determining these amounts are discussed below. If you purchase a debt security that is denominated in a foreign currency, the cost to you (and therefore, generally, your initial tax basis) will be the U.S. dollar value of the foreign currency purchase price on the date of purchase calculated at (i) the exchange rate in effect on the date of purchase or (ii) if the foreign currency debt security is traded on an established securities market and you are a cash basis taxpayer, or if you are an accrual basis taxpayer that so elects, the spot rate of exchange on the settlement date of your purchase. The amount of any subsequent adjustments to your tax basis in a debt security in respect of foreign currency denominated original issue discount, market discount and premium will be determined in the manner described below. If you convert U.S. dollars into a foreign currency and then immediately use that foreign currency to purchase a debt security, you generally will not have any taxable gain or loss as a result of the conversion or purchase.
If you sell or exchange a debt security for a foreign currency, or receive foreign currency on the retirement of a debt security, the amount you will realise for U.S. federal income tax purposes generally will be the U.S. dollar value of the foreign currency that you receive calculated at (i) the exchange rate in effect on the date the foreign currency debt security is disposed of or retired or (ii) if you dispose of a foreign currency debt security that is traded on an established securities market and you are a cash basis U.S. holder, or if you are an accrual basis holder that so elects, the spot rate of exchange on the settlement date of the sale, exchange or retirement.
The election available to accrual basis taxpayers in respect of the purchase and sale of foreign currency debt securities traded on an established securities market, which is discussed in the two preceding paragraphs, must be applied consistently to all debt instruments from year to year and cannot be changed without the consent of the IRS.
Except as discussed below with respect to market discount, short-term debt securities and foreign currency gain or loss, the gain or loss that you recognise on the sale, exchange or retirement of a debt security generally will be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if you have held the debt security for more than one year. The Code provides preferential treatment under certain circumstances for net long-term capital gains recognized by non-corporate investors. The ability of U.S. holders to offset capital losses against income is limited. Capital gain or loss, if any, recognized by a U.S. holder generally will be treated as U.S. source income or loss for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. The rules governing foreign tax credits are complex. Prospective purchasers should consult their tax advisors as to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of any non-U.S. taxes imposed on the sale or retirement of debt securities, including creditability, deductibility and determination of the amount realized in their particular circumstances.
Despite the foregoing, the gain or loss that you recognise on the sale, exchange or retirement of a foreign currency debt security generally will be treated as ordinary income or loss to the extent that the gain or loss is attributable to changes in exchange rates during the period in which you held the debt security. This foreign currency gain or loss will not be treated as an adjustment to interest income that you receive on the debt security. Any such foreign currency gain or loss on disposition (including any foreign currency gain or loss with respect to the receipt of accrued but unpaid interest and OID) will be realized only to the extent of total gain or loss realized on the sale or retirement.
Original Issue Discount
If the Republic issues debt securities at a discount from their stated redemption price at maturity, and the discount is equal to or more than the product of one-fourth of one per cent (0.25 per cent.) of the stated redemption price at maturity of the debt securities multiplied by the number of full years to their maturity, the debt securities will be “OID debt securities.” The difference between the issue price and the stated redemption price at maturity of OID debt securities is the “original issue discount” or “OID” on OID debt securities. The “issue price” of the debt securities will be the first price at which a substantial amount of the debt securities is sold to the public (i.e., excluding sales of debt securities to underwriters, placement agents, wholesalers or similar persons). The “stated redemption price at maturity” will include all payments under the debt securities other than payments of qualified stated interest. The term “qualified stated interest” generally means stated interest that is unconditionally payable in cash or property (other than debt instruments issued by the Republic) at least annually during the entire term of a debt security at a single fixed interest rate or, subject to certain conditions, based on one or more variable rates. A debt security that provides for the payment of amounts other than qualified stated interest before maturity (an “instalment obligation”) will be treated as an OID debt security if the excess of its stated redemption price at maturity over its issue price is equal to or greater than 0.25 per cent. of its stated redemption price at maturity multiplied by the weighted average maturity of the debt security. The weighted average maturity is the sum of the following amounts determined for each payment on a debt security (other than a payment of qualified stated interest): (i) the number of complete years from the issue date until the payment is made multiplied by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of the payment and the denominator of which is the debt security’s stated redemption price at maturity.
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If you invest in OID debt securities you generally will be subject to the special tax accounting rules for OID obligations provided by the Code and U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder. You should be aware that, as described in greater detail below, if you invest in an OID debt security you generally will be required to include OID in your gross income as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes as it accrues, although you may not yet have received the cash attributable to that income.
In general, and regardless of whether you use the cash or the accrual method of tax accounting, if you are the holder of an OID debt security with a maturity greater than one year, you will be required to include in your gross income the sum of the “daily portions” of OID on that debt security for all days during the taxable year that you own the debt security. The daily portions of OLD on an OID debt security are determined by allocating to each day in any accrual period a ratable portion of the OID allocable to that period. Accrual periods may be any length and may vary in length over the term of an OID debt security, so long as no accrual period is longer than one year and each scheduled payment of principal or interest occurs on the first or last day of an accrual period. If you are the initial holder of the debt security, the amount of OLD on an OID debt security allocable to each accrual period is determined by:
| (i) | multiplying the “adjusted issue price” (as defined below) of the debt security at the beginning of the accrual period by a fraction, the numerator of which is the annual yield to maturity of the debt security and the denominator of which is the number of accrual periods in a year; and |
| (ii) | subtracting from that product the amount (if any) of qualified stated interest payments allocable to that accrual period. |
An OID debt security that is a floating rate debt security will be subject to special rules. Generally, if a floating rate debt security qualifies as a “variable rate debt instrument” (as defined in applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations), then (i) all stated interest with respect to such floating rate debt security will be qualified stated interest and hence included in a U.S. holder’s income in accordance with such U.S. holder’s normal method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and (ii) the amount of OID, if any, will be determined under the general OLD rules (as described above) by assuming that the variable rate is a fixed rate equal, in general, to the value of the floating rate as of the issue date.
If a floating rate debt security does not qualify as a “variable rate debt instrument,” such floating rate debt security will be classified as a contingent payment debt instrument and will be subject to special rules for calculating the accrual of stated interest and original issue discount.
Any special considerations with respect to the tax consequences of holding a floating rate debt security will be provided in the applicable prospectus supplement.
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The “adjusted issue price” of an OLD debt security at the beginning of any accrual period will generally be the sum of the debt security’s issue price and the amount of OID previously includable in the gross income of the holder, reduced by the amount of all payments other than any qualified stated interest payments on the debt security in all prior accrual periods. All payments on an OID debt security, other than qualified stated interest, generally will be viewed first as payments of previously accrued OID (to the extent of the previously accrued discount), with payments considered made from the earliest accrual periods first, and then as a payment of principal. The “annual yield to maturity” of a debt security is the discount rate (appropriately adjusted to reflect the length of accrual periods) that causes the present value on the issue date of all payments on the debt security to equal the issue price. As a result of this “constant yield” method of including O11) income, you will generally be required to include in your gross income increasingly greater amounts of OID over the life of an OID debt security.
You generally may make an irrevocable election to include in income your entire return on a debt security (i.e., the excess of all remaining payments to be received on the debt security, including payments of qualified stated interest, over the amount you paid for the debt security) under the constant yield method described above. This election will generally apply only to the debt security with respect to which it is made and may not be revoked without the consent of the IRS. For debt securities purchased at a premium or bearing market discount in your hands, if you make this election you will also be deemed to have made the election (discussed below under the caption “Premium and Market Discount”) to amortize premium or to accrue market discount in income currently on a constant yield basis and such election would apply to all debt instruments with market discount acquired by the electing U.S. holder on or after the first day of the first taxable year to which the election applies. U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors concerning the propriety and consequences of this election.
In the case of an OID debt security that is also a foreign currency debt security, you should determine the U.S. dollar amount includable as OID for each accrual period by (i) calculating the amount of OID allocable to each accrual period in the foreign currency using the constant yield method, and (ii) translating the foreign currency amount so determined at the average exchange rate in effect during that accrual period (or, with respect to an interest accrual period that spans two taxable years, at the average exchange rate for the partial period within each taxable year). Alternatively, you may translate the foreign currency amount so determined at the spot rate of exchange on the last day of the accrual period (or the last day of the accrual period in each taxable year, in the case of an accrual period that spans more than one taxable year) or at the spot rate of exchange on the date of receipt of an amount attributable to OID previously accrued during the accrual period, if that date is within five business days of the last day of the accrual period, provided that you have made the election described under the caption “Payments or Accruals of Interest” above. Because exchange rates may fluctuate, if you are the holder of an OID debt security that is also a foreign currency debt security you may recognise a different amount of OID income in each accrual period than would be the case if you were the holder of an otherwise similar OID debt security denominated in U.S. dollars. Upon the receipt of an amount attributable to OID (whether in connection with a payment of an amount that is not qualified stated interest or the sale or retirement of the OID debt security), you may recognise ordinary income or loss measured by the difference between the amount received, translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect on the date of receipt or on the date of disposition of the OID debt security, as the case may be, and the amount accrued, using the exchange rate applicable to such previous accrual.
If you purchase an OID debt security outside of the initial offering at a cost less than its “remaining redemption amount” or if you purchase an OID debt security in the initial offering at a price other than the debt security’s issue price, you will also generally be required to include in gross income the daily portions of OID, calculated as described above. However, if you acquire an OID debt security at a price (i) less than or equal to the remaining redemption amount but (ii) greater than its adjusted issue price, you will be entitled to reduce your periodic inclusions to reflect the premium paid over the adjusted issue price. (As discussed under “Premium and Market Discount” below, if you purchase an OID debt security at a price greater than its remaining redemption amount, the OID rules described in this section will not apply.) The “remaining redemption amount” for an OID debt security is the total of all future payments to be made on the debt security other than qualified stated interest.
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Certain of the OID debt securities may be redeemed prior to maturity, either at the option of the Republic or at the option of the holder, or may have special repayment or interest rate reset features as indicated in the pricing supplement. OID debt securities containing these features may be subject to rules that differ from the general rules discussed above. If you purchase OID debt securities with these features, you should carefully examine the pricing supplement and consult your tax advisor about their treatment since the tax consequences of OID will depend, in part, on the particular terms and features of the debt securities.
OID accrued with respect to an OID debt security will be treated as non-U.S. source income for the purposes of calculating a U.S. holder’s foreign tax credit limitation. The limitation on non-U.S. taxes eligible for the U.S. foreign tax credit is calculated separately with respect to specific classes of income. The rules relating to foreign tax credits and the timing thereof are complex. You should consult your own tax advisor regarding the availability of a foreign tax credit under your particular situation.
Short-Term Debt Securities
Special rules may apply to a debt security with a maturity of one year or less (“a short-term debt security”). If you are an accrual basis holder, you will be required to accrue OID on the short-term debt security on either a straight-line basis or, at the election of the holder, under a constant yield method (based on daily compounding). No interest payments on a short-term debt security will be qualified stated interest. Consequently, such interest payments are included in the short-term debt security’s stated redemption price at maturity. Since the amount of OID is calculated in the same manner as described above under “Original Issue Discount,” such interest payments may give rise to OID (or acquisition discount, as defined below) even if the short-term debt securities are not actually issued at a discount. If you are a cash basis holder and do not elect to include OID in income as it accrues, you will not be required to include OID in income until you actually receive payments on the debt security. However, you will be required to treat any gain upon the sale, exchange or retirement of the debt security as ordinary income to the extent of the accrued OID on the debt security that you have not yet taken into income at the time of the sale. Also, if you borrow money (or do not repay outstanding debt) to acquire or hold the debt security, you may not be allowed to deduct interest on the borrowing that corresponds to accrued OID on the debt security until you include the OID in your income.
Alternatively, regardless of whether you are a cash basis or accrual basis holder, you can elect to accrue any “acquisition discount” with respect to the short-term debt security on a current basis. Acquisition discount is the excess of the stated redemption price at maturity of the debt security over the purchase price. Acquisition discount will be treated as accruing ratably or, at the election of the holder, under a constant yield method (based on daily compounding). If you elect to accrue acquisition discount, the OID rules will not apply. U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors as to the application of these rules.
As described above, certain of the debt securities may be subject to special redemption features. These features may affect the determination of whether a debt security has a maturity of one year or less and thus is a short-term debt security. If you purchase a debt security, you should carefully examine the pricing supplement and consult your tax advisor about these features.
Premium and Market Discount
If you purchase a debt security at a cost greater than the debt security’s remaining redemption amount, you will be considered to have purchased the debt security at a premium, and you may elect to amortize the premium as an offset to interest income, using a constant yield method, over the remaining term of the debt security. If you make this election, it generally will apply to all debt instruments that you hold at the time of the election, as well as any debt instruments that you subsequently acquire. In addition, you may not revoke the election without the consent of the IRS. If you elect to amortize the premium you will be required to reduce your tax basis in the debt security by the amount of the premium amortized during your holding period. In the case of premium on a foreign currency debt security, you should calculate the amortization of the premium in the foreign currency. Amortization deductions attributable to a period reduce interest payments (or OID) in respect of that period, and therefore are translated into U.S. dollars at the rate that you use for those interest payments (or O1D). Exchange gain or loss will be realized with respect to amortized premium on a foreign currency debt security based on the difference between the exchange rate computed on the date or dates the premium is amortized against interest payments (or OID) on the debt security and the exchange rate on the date when the holder acquired the debt security. For a U.S. holder that does not elect to amortize premium, the amount of premium will be included in your tax basis when the debt security matures or is disposed of. Therefore, if you do not elect to amortize premium and you hold the debt security to maturity, you generally will be required to treat the premium as capital loss when the debt security matures. Special rules may limit the amount of premium that can be amortized during certain accrual periods in the case of Notes that are subject to optional redemption.
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A debt security other than a short-term debt security will be treated as purchased at a market discount (a “market discount debt security”) if the debt security’s stated redemption price at maturity or, in the case of an OID debt security, the debt security’s “revised issue price,” exceeds the amount for which the U.S. holder purchased the debt security by at least one-fourth of one per cent (0.25 per cent.) of such debt security’s stated redemption price at maturity or revised issue price, respectively, multiplied by the number of complete years from the date acquired by the U.S. holder to the debt security’s maturity. For these purposes, the “revised issue price” of a debt security generally equals its issue price, increased by the amount of any OID that has accrued on the debt security and reduced by the amount of any payments previously made that were not qualified stated interest.
Any gain recognised on the sale or retirement of a market discount debt security will be treated as ordinary income to the extent of the accrued market discount on such debt security. Alternatively, a U.S. holder of a market discount debt security may avoid such treatment by electing to include market discount in income currently over the life of the debt security. Such an election shall apply to all debt instruments with market discount acquired by the electing U.S. holder on or after the first day of the first taxable year to which the election applies. This election may not be revoked without the consent of the IRS.
Market discount on a market discount debt security will accrue on a straight-line basis unless the U.S. holder elects to accrue such market discount on a constant yield method. Such an election shall apply only to the debt security with respect to which it is made and may not be revoked. A U.S. holder of a market discount debt security that does not elect to include market discount in income currently may be required to defer deductions for interest on borrowings incurred to purchase or carry a market discount debt security. Such interest is deductible when paid or incurred to the extent of income from the debt security for the year. If the interest expense exceeds such income, such excess is currently deductible only to the extent that such excess exceeds the portion of the market discount allocable to the days during the taxable year on which such debt security was held by the U.S. Holder. Any accrued market discount on a foreign currency debt security that is currently includable in income will generally be translated into U.S. dollars at the average rate for the accrual period (or portion thereof within the holder’s taxable year). Upon the receipt of an amount attributable to accrued market discount, the U.S. Holder may recognise U.S. source exchange gain or loss (which will be taxable as ordinary income or loss) determined in the same manner as for accrued interest or OM. A U.S. Holder that does not elect to include market discount in income currently will recognise, upon the sale or retirement of the debt securities, the U.S. dollar value of the amount accrued, calculated at the spot rate on that date, and no part of this accrued market discount will be treated as exchange gain or loss.
Disposition of Foreign Currency
Foreign currency received as interest on a debt security or on the sale or retirement of a debt security will have a tax basis equal to its U.S. dollar value at the time the foreign currency is received. Foreign currency that is purchased will generally have a tax basis equal to the U.S. dollar value of the foreign currency on the date of purchase. Any gain or loss recognized on a sale or other disposition of a foreign currency (including its use to purchase debt securities or upon exchange for U.S. dollars) will be U.S. source ordinary income or loss.
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Indexed Debt Securities and Other Debt Securities Providing for Contingent Payments
Special rules govern the tax treatment of debt obligations that provide for contingent payments (“contingent debt obligations”). These rules generally require accrual of interest income on a constant yield basis in respect of contingent debt obligations at a yield determined at the time of issuance of the obligation, and may require adjustments to these accruals when any contingent payments are made. In addition, special rules may apply to floating rate debt securities if the interest payable on the debt securities is based on more than one interest rate index. We will provide a detailed description of the tax considerations relevant to U.S. holders of any debt securities that are subject to the special rules discussed in this paragraph in the relevant prospectus supplement.
Non-U.S. Holders
The following summary applies to you if you are a non-U.S. holder, as defined above.
Subject to the discussion below under the caption “Information Reporting and Backup Withholding,” the interest income that you derive in respect of the debt securities generally will be exempt from U.S. federal income taxes, including U.S. withholding tax on payments of interest (including OID) unless such income is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States. Further, any gain you realise on a sale or exchange of debt securities generally will be exempt from U.S. federal income tax, including U.S. withholding tax, unless:
| | your gain is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States; or |
| | you are an individual holder and are present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the sale, and either (i) your gain is attributable to an office or other fixed place of business that you maintain in the United States or (ii) you have a tax home in the United States. |
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
In general, information reporting requirements may apply to certain payments of principal, interest and accruals of OID made within the United States or by U.S. or U.S.-connected intermediaries on a debt security. “Backup withholding” may apply to such payments or proceeds if the beneficial owner fails to provide a correct taxpayer identification number or fails to otherwise comply with the applicable backup withholding rules. Certain persons (including, among others, corporations) and non-U.S. holders which provide an appropriate certification or otherwise qualify for exemption are not subject to the backup withholding and information reporting requirements.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment made to a U.S. holder generally may be claimed as a credit against such holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability provided the appropriate information is furnished to the IRS.
U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors about these rules and any other reporting obligations that may apply to the ownership or disposition of debt securities, including requirements related to the holding of certain foreign financial assets.
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Reportable Transactions
A U.S. taxpayer that participates in a “reportable transaction” will be required to disclose its participation to the IRS. Under the relevant rules, if the debt securities are denominated in a foreign currency, a U.S. holder may be required to treat a foreign currency exchange loss from the debt securities as a reportable transaction if this loss exceeds the relevant threshold in the regulations ($50,000 in a single taxable year, if the U.S. holder is an individual or trust, or higher amounts for other non-individual U.S. holders), and to disclose its investment by filing Form 8886 with the IRS. A penalty in the amount of $10,000 in the case of a natural person and $50,000 in all other cases is generally imposed on any taxpayer that fails to timely file an information return with the IRS with respect to a transaction resulting in a loss that is treated as a reportable transaction. Prospective purchasers are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of these rules.
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The Republic may sell the debt securities or warrants in any of three ways:
| | through underwriters or dealers; |
| | directly to one or more purchasers; or |
| | through agents. |
The prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of debt securities or warrants will set out:
| | the names of any underwriters or agents; |
| | the purchase price of the securities; |
| | the proceeds to the Republic from the sale; |
| | any underwriting discounts and other compensation; |
| | the initial public offering price; |
| | any discounts or concessions allowed, reallowed or paid to dealers; and |
| | any securities exchanges on which the securities will be listed. |
Any underwriter involved in the sale of securities will acquire the securities for its own account. The underwriters may resell the securities from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices to be determined at the time of sale. The securities may be offered to the public either by underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters or by underwriters without a syndicate. Unless the prospectus supplement states otherwise, the underwriters will benefit from certain conditions that must be satisfied before they are obligated to purchase such securities and they will be obligated to purchase all of the securities if any are purchased. The underwriters may change any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers. The underwriters or certain of their affiliates may purchase securities and be allocated securities for asset management and/or proprietary purposes but not with a view to distribution.
If the Republic sells debt securities or warrants through agents, the prospectus supplement will identify the agent and indicate any commissions payable by the Republic. Unless the prospectus supplement states otherwise, all agents will act on a best efforts basis.
The Republic may authorize agents, underwriters or dealers to solicit offers by certain specified entities to purchase the securities from the Republic at the public offering price set forth in a prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts. The prospectus supplement will set out the conditions of the delayed delivery contracts and the commission receivable by the agents, underwriters or dealers for soliciting the contracts.
The Republic may offer securities as full, partial or alternative consideration for the purchase of other securities of the Republic, either in connection with a publicly announced tender, exchange or other offer for such securities or in privately negotiated transactions. The offer may be in addition to or in lieu of sales of securities directly or through underwriters or agents.
Agents and underwriters may be entitled to indemnification by the Republic against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, or to contribution from the Republic with respect to certain payments which the agents or underwriters may be required to make. Agents and underwriters may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services (including commercial and investment banking services) for, the Republic in the ordinary course of business.
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In compliance with Financial Industry Regulatory Authority guidelines, the maximum compensation to any underwriters or agents in connection with the sale of any securities pursuant to the prospectus and applicable prospectus supplements will not exceed 8 per cent. of the aggregate total offering price to the public of such securities as set forth on the cover page of the applicable prospectus supplement; however, it is anticipated that the maximum compensation paid will be significantly less than 8 per cent.
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, if the Republic offers and sells securities outside the United States, each underwriter or dealer will acknowledge that:
| | the securities offered have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933; and |
| | the securities may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. Each participating underwriter or dealer will agree that it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, any debt securities constituting part of its allotment in the United States except in accordance with Rule 903 of Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933. Accordingly, each underwriter or dealer will agree that neither the underwriter nor dealer nor its affiliates nor any persons acting on its or their behalf have engaged or will engage in any directed selling efforts with respect to the securities. |
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The Secretary of the Department of Justice of the Republic will provide an opinion on behalf of the Republic as to the validity of the securities under Philippine law. Linklaters Singapore Pte. Ltd., United States counsel for the Republic, will provide an opinion on behalf of the Republic as to the validity of the securities under U.S. and New York State law. U.S. and Philippine counsel named in the applicable prospectus supplement will provide an opinion as to certain legal matters on behalf of the underwriters named in the applicable prospectus supplement.
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EXPERTS; OFFICIAL STATEMENTS AND DOCUMENTS
Information contained herein that is identified as being derived from a publication of the Republic or one of its agencies or instrumentalities is included herein on the authority of such publication as an official public document of the Republic. All other information contained herein is included as an official public statement made on the authority of Sharon P. Almanza, the Treasurer of the Philippines.
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The Republic has filed a registration statement for the securities with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933. This prospectus does not contain all of the information described in the registration statement. For further information, you should refer to the registration statement.
The Republic is not subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Republic commenced filing annual reports on Form 18-K with the SEC on a voluntary basis beginning with its fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. These reports include certain financial, statistical and other information concerning the Republic. The Republic may also file amendments on Form 18-K/A to its annual reports for the purpose of filing with the SEC exhibits which have not been included in the registration statement to which this prospectus and any prospectus supplements relate. When filed, these exhibits will be incorporated by reference into this registration statement.
You can request copies of the registration statement, including its various exhibits, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC. You may also read and copy these documents at the SEC’s public reference room in Washington, D.C. or over the Internet at www.sec.gov.
SEC Public Reference Room
100 F Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20549
Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information.
The SEC allows the Republic to incorporate by reference some information that the Republic files with the SEC. Incorporated documents are considered part of this prospectus. The Republic can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The following documents, which the Republic has filed or will file with the SEC, are considered part of and incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement and any accompanying pricing supplement:
| | the Republic’s annual report on Form 18-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the SEC on April 4, 2025 (the “2024 Annual Report”); and |
| | each subsequent annual report on Form 18-K and any amendment on Form 18-K/A filed on or after the date of this prospectus and before all of the debt securities and warrants are sold. |
Later information that the Republic files with the SEC will update and supersede earlier information that it has filed.
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ISSUER
Republic of the Philippines
Department of Finance, Office of the Secretary
Department of Finance Building
BSP Complex
Manila
Republic of the Philippines
LEGAL ADVISORS TO THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
| As to U.S. federal and New York State law: Allen Overy Shearman Sterling (Asia) Pte. Ltd. 2 Central Boulevard #45-01 West Tower IOI Central Boulevard Towers Singapore 018916 |
As to Philippine law: Department of Justice Padre Faura Street Malate Manila Republic of the Philippines | |
| LEGAL ADVISORS TO THE UNDERWRITERS | ||
| As to U.S. federal and New York State law: | As to Philippine law: | |
| Linklaters Singapore Pte. Ltd. 2 Central Boulevard #28-01 West Tower IOI Central Boulevard Towers Singapore 018916 |
Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles Corporate Banking & Finance 21st Floor, AIA Tower 8767 Paseo de Roxas Makati City Republic of the Philippines | |
| FISCAL AGENT, REGISTRAR, TRANSFER AGENT AND PRINCIPAL PAYING AGENT | LUXEMBOURG LISTING AGENT | |
| The Bank of New York Mellon 240 Greenwich Street New York, New York 10286 United States of America |
Linklaters LLP, Luxembourg 35 Avenue John F. Kennedy L-1855 Luxembourg | |
| LUXEMBOURG PAYING AND TRANSFER AGENT | ||
| The Bank of New York Mellon SA/NV, Luxembourg Branch Vertigo Building—Polaris | ||
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