Tycoons back gov’t ‘Big Bold Reforms’ as confidence push gains ground

Some of the country’s biggest business names, led by Teresita Sy-Coson and Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, joined top economic officials on Friday as the Marcos administration laid out its push for “big, bold reforms” aimed at restoring investor confidence and sustaining long-term growth.

The presence of the country’s most influential corporate leaders at the flagship dialogue, Big Bold Reforms: The Philippines 2026 jointly organized by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Department of Finance underscored private-sector backing for the government’s reform agenda.

The event drew more than 300 participants from business, finance, and industry groups at the Shangri-La The Fort, Bonifacio Global City.

Optimism conveyed to business community

Finance Secretary Frederick Go said the gathering was meant to convey optimism to the business community by highlighting reforms anchored on the country’s long-term economic fundamentals, following what he described as an extraordinary year.

“We convened this briefing to deliver some good news — the big, bold reforms we are pursuing, anchored on our solid long-term economic fundamentals — to inspire optimism, encourage greater investment, and move forward with confidence after the extraordinary year that just passed,” Go said.

Reform grounded on fiscal discipline

Economic managers stressed that the reform drive is grounded on fiscal discipline and prudent spending, with closer public-private coordination seen as essential to translating policy momentum into real economic gains.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona Jr. emphasized that sustained cooperation between government and business would be critical in navigating global and domestic headwinds.

“Together, the political leadership, the economic agencies, and the business community can turn challenging times into opportunity,” Remolona said, adding that recent crises could serve as a catalyst for reforms long sought by investors.

Macroeconomic outlook and reform priorities

Cabinet officials and agency heads used the forum to brief business leaders on the macroeconomic outlook and reform priorities for 2026, including infrastructure catch-up plans, sectoral reforms, and measures to improve the investment climate.

Infrastructure initiatives were presented by Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, while reforms in tourism and agriculture were outlined by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III.

Investor-focused measures

Investor-focused measures were discussed by Trade Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Board of Investments vice chair Ceferino S. Rodolfo, and Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda, particularly initiatives to attract high-impact investments and accelerate digital transformation.

Regulatory streamlining efforts were also highlighted by Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Francisco Lim, Food and Drug Administration director general Paolo Teston, Philippine Competition Commission Chair Michael Aguinaldo, and Environment Undersecretary Jonas Leones.

Also joining the discussions were Economy, Planning and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and other senior business leaders, reinforcing what officials described as a shared commitment to convert reform pledges into inclusive and resilient growth.