Statement of Senator Win Gatchalian on the 2019 Institute for Management Development Competitiveness Report

The country's improved ranking in the 2019 Institute for Management Development (IMD) Competitiveness Report is a testament that the Duterte administration is on the right track in terms of achieving sustainable growth, generating jobs and, ultimately, increasing the welfare of its citizens. Out of the 63 economies evaluated, the Philippines' ranking climbed four notches this year to 46th, from the 50th spot last year.

However, the government should not rest on its laurels just yet. The report showed that the Philippines ranks second to the last among 13 Asia-Pacific countries, with our slow investment in physical infrastructure and inadequate investment in human capital being cited as some of the stumbling blocks standing in the way of increased competitiveness.

It is high time for the government to prioritize key economic bills, such as the Innovation Bill and the measure amending the Public Service Act, which will help strengthen the current investment regime and make it more adaptable to global business demands and trends. The passage of the Tobacco Tax will also be beneficial in terms of promoting better health for our people.