Marcos Aide Challenges Negative Read on Investment Climate
Frederick Go, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (SAPIEA), argued on Thursday that the perceived negative impact of the flood-control corruption controversy on foreign investments is “overblown.” He suggested that the ongoing investigation into alleged graft could ultimately benefit the Philippines’ economy by enforcing accountability and improving how public funds are spent.
During a Palace press briefing, Go emphasized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s rapid and decisive actions against corruption as a signal of stronger economic governance. He said, “The negativity is overblown. This investigation will be good for the country long-term because it will address and correct the wrong practices.” He added that a more transparent budget process could lead to increased efficiency and a greater allocation of resources to productive programs that support growth and job creation.
Short-Term Troubles, Long-Term Gains
Go articulated a view shared by several government officials: that short-term disruptions from anti-corruption probes can yield long-term economic dividends. By improving budget deployment, he argued, the country can enhance the multiplier effect of public spending, stimulating more robust economic activity and employment opportunities.
“Better deployment of the budget will result in projects with greater multiplier effect, bringing about better effects on the economy and jobs created. So while this may be a short-term issue, it definitely will have long-term benefits,” he said.
Accountability as Confidence-Building
The SAPIEA highlighted the administration’s moves to strengthen institutional credibility, pointing to the formation of independent commissions and the prompt appointment of an Ombudsman with gravitas as examples of how seriously the President is committed to rooting out corruption. These steps, he argued, are designed to boost investor confidence and reduce the red tape that has long frustrated business leaders in the Philippines.
Go noted that business chambers have repeatedly called for measures to cut through bureaucratic hurdles. In response, the government has rolled out programs intended to streamline investment processes, including the CREATE MORE Act, a revised PPP framework, and a green lane for strategic investments. He framed these initiatives as concrete actions to address concerns about corruption and inefficiency in public spending, thereby supporting a healthier investment climate.
Global Perceptions and Policy Positioning
The remarks come as the United States Department of State, through its 2025 Investment Climate report, cited corruption as a pervasive barrier to foreign investments in the Philippines, reflecting a nuanced global view of the country’s governance landscape. Go argued that the government’s anti-corruption drive is turning a potential risk into an opportunity, reallocating funds to sectors with higher growth and employment multipliers.
“From the formation of respectable members of the independent commission to the very swift appointment of an Ombudsman with gravitas, it shows how serious the President is about fixing this problem,” Go said, framing ongoing investigations as a pathway to a more resilient and attractive investment environment.
Looking Ahead
As the administration continues to balance transparency with growth, Go asserted that the long-run effect of robust anti-corruption measures will be a more efficient government, a more predictable business climate, and improved job opportunities for Filipinos. While acknowledging the short-term challenges that accompany any probe, he cast the anti-corruption drive as a strategic policy shift aimed at delivering sustained economic gains.
