The Philippines’ improved ranking in the 2025 World Competitiveness Yearbook is an indication of the country’s ongoing commitment to regulatory reform and enhancing public sector performance, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) said.
The Philippines recently ranked 51st out of 69 economies in the 2025 World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY) by the Switzerland-based International Institute for Management Development (IMD).
This was an improvement from the previous 52nd ranking.
“This positive trajectory reflects our unwavering commitment to reform, resilience, and progress,” ARTA said in a statement on Friday.
The Government Efficiency pillar —one of the four core components of the WCY framework— continues to be a fundamental strength for the Philippines.
ARTA said that while the country’s ranking experienced a slight adjustment from 49th to 51st, the performance remains stable amid intensifying global competition.
“Encouragingly, significant strides have been made in the government’s management of taxes and public funds. These improvements underscore efforts to sustain economic stability, ensure prudent fiscal management, and guarantee that public services effectively reach those who need them most,” ARTA said.
“At the same time, we recognize the structural challenges that remain.”
The 2025 WCY highlighted concerns, particularly in start-up procedures (67th), bureaucracy (60th), and rule of law (62nd).
ARTA said these rankings reinforce the urgency of strengthening regulatory transparency, minimizing administrative burdens, and enhancing institutional accountability.
According to ARTA, policy interventions are already underway.
Executive Order No. 59, which streamlines permitting processes for infrastructure flagship projects, and Executive Order No. 18, which establishes Green Lanes for strategic investments, are crucial steps in creating a more investor-friendly business climate.
ARTA, in collaboration with government institutions, the private sector, and international development partners such as the World Bank Group, also developed the Philippine Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Reform Guidebook, a policy document that provides a comprehensive roadmap for optimizing the business regulatory landscape.
The Guidebook identifies and prioritizes critical reforms affecting the business climate; provides a detailed implementation roadmap, including responsible agencies, timelines, and key deliverables; and serves as a unified reference document for policymakers, regulators, and development partners to drive sustained improvements in the country’s business environment.
“We call on all branches and levels of government and the private sector to reaffirm their commitment to reform. Through whole-of-government collaboration, strategic policy coherence, and unwavering political will, we can elevate the Philippines’ global standing —not just in rankings, but in the real, tangible progress felt by our citizens, entrepreneurs, and investors in the Bagong Pilipinas,” ARTA said. (PNA)
