The Pilipinas Conference 2024 hosted by Stratbase was held on November 7, 2024, at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City. Sec. Ralph Recto of the Department of Finance presented the Economic and Investment Outlook and Strategic Direction for 2025. Atty. Benedicta "Dick" Du-Baladad, Founding Partner and CEO of BDB Law, joined a panel of reactors on the topic alongside Mr. George Barcelon, Chairman of PCCI; Mr. Roberto "Bobby" Batungbacal, Executive Director of the Makati Business Club (MBC); and Mr. Ernesr Z. Bower, Former President of the US-ASEAN Business Council.
Atty. Dick discussed ASEAN’s growing appeal as an FDI destination, with the Philippines showing improvement among its regional peers. She stated that while the Philippines benefits from favorable market conditions, there are persistent challenges such as infrastructure and regulatory issues that could hinder sustained growth. Additionally, she pointed out the need to align with global tax standards on Pillar II, suggesting that it may be necessary for revenue stability and to sustain attractiveness as investment destination.
The discussion, overall, is focused on boosting the country’s economic growth.
