MANILA — The government will increase public spending to align with the original national expenditure plan and compensate for slower economic growth in the third quarter, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said.

In a press briefing at Malacañang, President Marcos cited several factors behind the 4-percent GDP growth in the third quarter, which fell below forecasts. These include ongoing investigations and reforms in public infrastructure projects, as well as the impact of successive typhoons and other natural disasters that led to lost working days.

The President also noted that global shifts in trade and business systems have affected the Philippines, along with other nations. “We are not the only ones suffering the shocks that come from the new trade structure that has been imposed on the rest of the world. So we are all adjusting to that. Kaya ‘yung mga growth rate all around the world is falling,” he said.

To address the slowdown, Marcos assured that public spending would be increased to ensure the government meets its original expenditure targets by the end of the year. “Mababawi natin ‘yung nawala sa third quarter,” he added.

The move is part of the administration’s broader strategy to stabilize economic performance despite domestic and global challenges.