By Deighton Acuin

PHOTO: Presidential Photos

"Sana hindi naman po, dahil Mayo pa lang po. Pwede pa mag-recover. Naniniwala naman po tayo na makakahabol tayo.”

This was what Malacañang had to say when asked for a comment on the recent report by Moody’s Analytics that the Philippines is falling behind Asian countries.

In a media briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque admitted the prolonged imposition of lockdowns due to looming infections of COVID-19 variants has delayed the country’s economic recovery.

The country has been struggling in economy as some cities and provinces have been placed under strict quarantine classifications due to the upsurge of COVID-19 infections. 

But, Roque said the government is still optimistic on economic rebounding.

"Sa ngayon po, ang projection ng ating sariling NEDA (National Economic and Development Authority) ay lalaki pa rin po ang ating ekonomiya sa taong ito between 6% to 7%,” he said.

The government is expecting that by mid-2022, the Philippines would return to its post-pandemic output. However, Moody’s Analytics said that such likely would not be possible until the year-end.


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