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The Philippine Exporters Confederation warned that prolonged political tensions involving the Senate could affect investor confidence, market sentiment, and the country’s economic momentum
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PHILEXPORT president Ortiz-Luis calls for focus on economic recovery, investment promotion, and job generation
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The group emphasized that exporters already face external headwinds: high logistics costs, geopolitical tensions, and weakening global demand
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Domestic political instability compounds existing pressures on export competitiveness and expansion plans
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PHILEXPORT urges leaders to uphold democratic institutions and keep the economic agenda above politics
The Philippine Exporters Confederation (PHILEXPORT) warned that prolonged political tensions involving the Senate could affect investor confidence, market sentiment, and the country’s economic momentum amid ongoing global uncertainties.
PHILEXPORT president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. said the timing of the Senate turmoil is particularly unfortunate given that the economy is navigating a volatile global landscape.
“Recent developments and tensions within the Senate are creating renewed uncertainty in the political environment at a time when the country should be fully focused on economic recovery, investment promotion, and job generation,” Ortiz-Luis said in a statement.
He stressed that the business community places a premium on predictability and institutional strength. “Prolonged political turmoil risks affecting investor confidence, weakening market sentiment, and diverting attention from urgent economic priorities,” he said.
A surprise leadership change took place at the Senate last week along with the sudden appearance of Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who has been absent from his legislative work since November as he evades an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court. The chaotic week unfolded as the Senate received the impeachment papers against Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio.
Ortiz-Luis also underscored that elevated logistics costs, geopolitical flashpoints, and softening demand in major trading markets are already straining the export sector.
“Our exporters are already dealing with global challenges such as high logistics costs, geopolitical tensions, and slowing demand in key markets. Domestic political noise only adds another layer of uncertainty that could affect competitiveness and expansion plans,” he said.
READ: Philexport seeks relief measures for high fuel, logistics costs
Beyond the immediate business implications, PHILEXPORT called on government leaders to safeguard democratic institutions and refrain from actions that could further destabilize the economic environment or rattle public confidence.
“At the end of the day, the country’s economic agenda must remain above politics. We hope our leaders will work toward restoring public confidence and maintaining a stable environment conducive to business, exports, and inclusive growth,” Ortiz-Luis said.
