Philippines

The Philippines has gained new confidence as a result of the recent election of a new president who is untainted by questions of legitimacy and has pledged to fight corruption. To regain its position as one of the leading economies in Southeast Asia, the Philippines requires: continued sound macroeconomic policy, new investment in infrastructure, and effective programs to address the social and economic disparities that fuel local insurgencies. However, if growth falters and politicians return to the petty squabbling, recriminations and jockeying for power that has hampered progress in the past, the country will continue to trail its ASEAN neighbours. The Philippines has the economic assets needed to be a successful, modern economy, but, does the country have the political will?