Corruption, education top concerns of business executives

MANILA, Philippines — Corruption, education and dealing with local government units (LGUs) are top concerns for businesses this year, according to the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP).

Speaking at the business group’s inaugural meeting yesterday, MAP president Alfredo Panlilio said a survey conducted among members in the fourth quarter last year showed corruption as the top concern of businesses for 2025.

Other concerns identified by MAP members in the survey are education, the economy, ease of doing business, climate change, cybersecurity and dealing with LGUs.

Panlilio said concerns on dealing with LGUs involve the delays in issuance of permits to undertake projects, including those in the telecommunications and power sectors.

To address the concerns, he said this year’s board has set four main thrusts that will guide the group’s activities. These are member engagement, country competitiveness, ESG (environmental, social and governance) and shared prosperity, and investing in the youth.

“To address corruption and ease of doing business, we will continue to participate actively in the programs of the Anti-Red Tape Authority or ARTA,” he said.

In terms of member engagement, he said MAP’s general membership meetings would cover issues that are relevant and beneficial to members and the economy.

On country competitiveness, he said MAP would continue to push for policy reforms that will eliminate corruption, improve the ease of doing business, ensure food security through agricultural productivity and sustain an enabling business environment for both local and foreign investors.

“The aspiration is to attract greater and more diverse job-creating investments for more Filipinos to be gainfully employed,” he said.

When it comes to the ESG and shared prosperity thrust, he said MAP would continue to promote sustainable practices, ethical leadership and inclusive growth to create long-term value for members and all stakeholders.

“We will continue pushing for the discourse and activities to champion responsible business, uplift communities and contribute to a resilient and equitable future for the Philippines,” he said.

He said MAP would also continue its campaign against malnutrition and child stunting in line with the thrust to invest in the youth.

The business group will also continue efforts to urge both the government and private sector to pursue relevant education, health and wellness programs, particularly for the youth.

“The objective is for the youth to become productive members of society, with competitive skills and capacity that will ensure a progressive economy of the future,” Panlilio said.

In addition to the four main thrusts, he said MAP would pursue other advocacies and programs aimed at helping businesses adapt to developments in the domestic and global landscape.