In a recent fireside interview at the Malacañan Palace, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of the Philippines highlighted the critical need to distinguish between economic and political spheres to foster economic growth while preserving political stability. Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF), President Marcos articulated that economic activities should be pursued as long as they do not adversely affect the nation’s political affairs, emphasizing that economic influence should not be wielded as political leverage.
President Marcos acknowledged the complexity of disentangling politics from economics but stressed the importance of doing so to ensure the country’s continued economic development and political sovereignty. He pointed out that while the task is challenging, having a guiding principle to separate the two as much as possible is essential for the Philippines to thrive economically and maintain its political equilibrium.
The president’s remarks come at a time when the Philippines is seeking to attract more investments and adopt new technologies to sustain its robust economic growth. The administration’s focus on re-skilling and upskilling Filipino workers is also part of this broader strategy to position the Philippines as a growth destination for investments on the global stage. President Marcos’s vision for the country’s future is one where economic decisions are made independently of political alliances or leanings, ensuring that the Philippines can engage with any nation in the world to mutual benefit.