MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has tasked his economic team to boost investments, create more employment opportunities, and reduce poverty, as his administration anticipates a gradual economic rebound this year, a Palace official said Wednesday.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the remarks during a briefing in Malacañang, citing the President’s instructions to improve the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Castro quoted Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go, saying, “Gusto ng Pangulo ay dumami ang investments, para magkaroon ng maraming quality jobs and higher employment to reduce poverty. Inflation is well controlled at pinapaalala ng Pangulo na bantayan ng gobyerno para it will remain low.”

She noted that reforms initiated last year on budget processes and project monitoring, combined with sound macroeconomic fundamentals, are expected to contribute to better GDP growth in the coming period.

Castro acknowledged that last year’s GDP growth was affected by geopolitical tensions and flood control issues but said the President’s decision to probe anomalous infrastructure projects was a necessary step.

“Pero wala magagawa kung hindi talagang linisin ang ating bansa mula sa korapsyon at kailangang magpaimbestiga para mapanagot ang mga sangkot. Dahil kung hindi ngayon, kailan? Kung hindi ang Pangulong Marcos Jr., sino?” Castro said.