Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero believes that the current political situation will not significantly disrupt the Philippine economy.

On Wednesday, Escudero stressed that political noise will only have a minimal impact on the country’s economy, as economic foundations remain strong.

He also pointed out the strong democratic processes in place that will safeguard the Philippine economy from major disruption.

“This demonstrates the stability of our economy notwithstanding the political noise,” he said.

Escudero touted that the Philippines continues to be among the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia, “even growing at a faster pace than its neighbors Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia.”

“Palaging may epekto ang anumang ingay sa politika sa mga negosyante. Magpepreno ng kaunti, magpipigil-pigil ng kaunti, pero sana habang naiibsan ito, habang humuhupa ito, habang lumilinaw kung ano ang mangyayari sa mga susunod na araw, buwan at linggo, huhupa rin ang pangamba ng mga negosyante at manunumablik ang kanilang pamumuhunan sa ating bansa na lubusan nating kailangan sa panahong ito (Political noise always has an impact on businesspeople. It causes a bit of a slowdown, a bit of restraint, but I hope that as this eases, as things calm down, and as it becomes clearer what will happen in the coming days, months, and weeks, the fears of businesspeople will also subside, and their investments in our country, which we desperately need at this time, will return),” he added.

Meanwhile, Escudero cited reports on the easing of the inflation rate to 2.1 percent last month.

He noted the economy’s steady gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 5.6 percent in 2024, the healthy inflow of foreign direct investments amounting to US$8.9 billion the previous year.

He also cited the bullish outlook for 2025 due to lower inflation and higher consumption and investments, key indicators pointing to the “stability of the current administration and strong business confidence in the Philippines.”

Escudero expects “emotions to tone down once there is greater clarity on the events that transpired recently” over the next few weeks.

“What is important is that the legal processes are being followed and the people, whatever their political or personal inclinations may be, are allowed to express their sentiments and grievances,” he said.

He added: “Karapatan ng ating mga kababayan na magpetisyon sa gobyerno kaugnay ng sama ng loob nila sa pamahalaan. Karapatan nila ‘yon na ginagarantiyahan ng Saligang Batas (It is the right of our citizens to petition the government regarding their grievances. That right is guaranteed by the Constitution).”

“At para sa akin marapat lamang na payagan at pahintulutan ‘yon na sinabi naman ng gobyerno na papayagan at papahintulutan nila … basta’t mapayapa ‘yung mga pagtitipon na ‘yon (And for me, it is only proper to allow and permit that, as the government has stated it will allow and permit it... as long as those gatherings remain peaceful).”