The Philippine economy posted a 5.5 percent growth in the second quarter of 2025, continuing its slow but steady recovery, according to data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority.
The figure follows a 5.4 percent expansion in the first quarter, 5.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024, and 5.2 percent in the third quarter—marking a gradual rebound after a sharp decline from 6.5 percent growth in the second quarter of 2024.
Top contributors to the second quarter’s economic performance were Wholesale and Retail Trade; Repair of Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles, which contributed 0.9 percentage point; Public Administration and Defense; Compulsory Social Security at 0.7; and Financial and Insurance Activities at 0.6.
In a press briefing, Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said the consistent figures demonstrate the strength of the country’s economic fundamentals.
“With this performance, we maintain our place among the fastest growing economies in emerging Asia behind Vietnam's 8.0 percent growth, ahead of China's 5.2 percent, and Indonesia’s 5.1 percent,” Balisacan said.
He also noted that the country is poised to surpass the growth rates of neighboring nations.
"While our growth is slower than India’s projected 6.5-percent expansion, we are expected to outpace Malaysia’s 4.3 percent and Thailand’s 2.4 percent," he added.
According to Balisacan, the administration’s economic groundwork has played a key role in sustaining growth, citing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s statement during his State of the Nation Address last month that "economic growth must translate into genuine improvements in the lives of ordinary Filipinos.”
In line with this, Balisacan said the government will focus on delivering results that matter to everyday citizens.
“At the same time, our economy is focused on enabling more Filipinos to participate fully and proactively in our economy by making essential goods more affordable, supporting the creation of high-quality jobs, and keeping our growth running efficiently,” he said.