The national government should aggressively promote the new 99-year lease terms under Republic Act No. 12252 to anchor long-term jobs, capital, and development in the Philippines, Senator Francis Escudero said Monday.
Escudero made the appeal amid reports of 4.4% economic growth in 2025, below the government’s 5.5% to 6.5% target and lower than the 5.5% growth recorded in 2024.
“The law is already in place. What we need now is aggressive promotion and clear messaging to investors that the Philippines is ready for long-term partnerships,” he said.
The senator warned that weaker growth requires stronger investor confidence and accelerated structural reforms to sustain economic momentum.
He highlighted the land lease law’s potential to signal long-term stability to investors, provided there is consistent promotion and messaging.
Foreign direct investment inflows continued to soften, with net FDI reaching about $7.1 billion from January to November 2025, down from $9.08 billion in the same period in 2024.
Escudero also pointed to labor market challenges, citing a 4.4% unemployment rate in December 2025, affecting about 2.26 million Filipinos, while youth unemployment remains in double digits.
He said that without increased investment, especially in sectors requiring long-term capital, underemployment may persist and opportunities to absorb the growing young workforce could be missed.
“In times of slowdown, we must think in centuries, not quarters. RA 12252 ensures that those who invest here will stay for generations, creating stability that outlasts economic headwinds,” the senator said.
