A recent column by Philstar Biz poses a pointed question: why has the Philippines become an economic basket case while its neighbors surge as tiger economies? The piece contrasts the country’s stagnation with the dynamism of regional peers, suggesting that a mix of policy missteps and structural weaknesses might be at play.
Analysts have long pointed to the Philippines’ reliance on remittances and a services-driven economy, rather than manufacturing and exports, as a key differentiator. Unlike the “workhorse” economies of Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia, which built robust industrial bases, the Philippines struggled with inconsistent regulations, infrastructure gaps, and a slow-moving bureaucracy.
The article calls for a shift in mindset—from expecting “magicians” to solve problems to embracing the hard work of industrialization and reform. Until the country addresses fundamental issues like ease of doing business and human capital development, it risks remaining an outlier in a region racing ahead.