Philippine FDI falls 40% in August 2025 amid floodgate scandal

Net foreign direct investments (FDI) into the Philippines fell sharply by 40.5 percent in August 2025 to US$494 million, down from US$830 million in the same month last year, according to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The August decline can possibly be attributed to the ongoing floodgate scandal, which has soured foreign investor sentiment.

FDIs refer to long-term investments by foreign entities—such as multinational corporations, private investors, or institutional funds—into a country’s productive sectors. Unlike short-term portfolio investments, FDIs typically involve establishing operations, expanding factories, or acquiring local businesses, and are considered a key driver of job creation, technology transfer, and sustained economic growth.

Despite the decline, the BSP said the FDI inflows remained positive, with capital from Japan leading the way, particularly in the manufacturing sector. Other notable sources of equity placements included the United States, Singapore, and South Korea, while key recipient industries were manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, and real estate.

On a cumulative basis, net FDI inflows dropped by 22.5 percent to US$5.2 billion in the first eight months of 2025, compared to US$6.7 billion during the same period last year.

A continued dip in FDIs could weigh on the Philippines’ industrial expansion and competitiveness, especially in key export-oriented sectors like electronics, manufacturing, and real estate development. Analysts emphasize that sustained reforms in governance, infrastructure, and ease of doing business are vital to restoring investor confidence.