MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Thursday said the 5.4 percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth of the Philippines in the first quarter of 2025 is a “clear and reassuring” sign that the country’s economy is in “steady, competent” hands under his cousin, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.

“This growth means more than just numbers. It means jobs, livelihood, and greater economic activity in our communities,” Romualdez said. 

“The economy is moving—and it’s moving in the right direction, because the President’s policies are working not only for investors and big businesses but more importantly for ordinary Filipinos,” he said.

Romualdez noted that the country’s growth matches that of China and surpasses that of Indonesia and Malaysia. He said the positive performance translates to more job opportunities, stronger support for small businesses, increased infrastructure and agriculture spending, and better government services funded by rising revenues.

“As more sectors grow, from manufacturing to construction, logistics, tourism, and digital services, we are seeing more hiring, more spending, and more money circulating in our barangays and local economies,” he said.

“Ibig sabihin po nito, mas maraming trabaho, mas mataas ang kumpiyansa ng negosyo, at mas marami ang inaasahang benepisyo para sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” he said.

The Speaker said that the House of Representatives would continue passing legislation aligned with the Marcos administration’s 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda, particularly those supporting food security, digital transformation, energy sustainability, and social protection.

“We are determined to make sure that this growth reaches every Filipino home—from the farmers in the provinces, to workers in the cities, to small entrepreneurs trying to recover from the pandemic,” he said.

Romualdez also pointed to the International Monetary Fund’s 5.5 percent full-year growth forecast for the Philippines in 2025, following a 5.6 percent expansion in 2024. He said the first-quarter figure proves the country is on track.

“This is proof that under PBBM, our economy is not just growing—it is growing with direction and discipline,” he said. 

“The foundation is strong, the vision is clear, and the Filipino people will be the ultimate beneficiaries of our success,” he said.