BUSINESS GROUPS said the next president needs to have a clear vision for reform, focusing on mobility infrastructure and curbing corruption.
“We want a leader who can take care of the country,” Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Ferdinand A. Ferrer told reporters on the sidelines of the Philippine Business Conference and Expo on Tuesday.
“Whoever is the leader who has a really believable vision for the country will be supported by the private sector,” he added.
He noted that executing the necessary reforms could help make the Philippines a key force in the region.
He said future leaders should work on infrastructure to ease the mobility of goods and people while also supporting micro, small and medium enterprises.
At the forum, Mr. Ferrer said business decision-making is complicated by volatility in global markets and fluctuating interest rates and inflation. Geopolitical tensions and trade disruptions are also reshaping supply chains and long-standing partnerships.
He added that climate risks, energy and food security are driving up costs, and rapid technological changes like artificial intelligence are testing institutions’ readiness.
“Uncertainty, therefore, is not a passing condition. It is the environment in which we must lead,” Mr. Ferrer said.
Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. President Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis, Jr. cited the need for anti-corruption reforms to rebuild the eroding confidence among investors.
“I think, what’s more important, is that the problem is the loss of confidence of investors, both local and foreign,” he said separately. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz