Manila: Malaca±ang on Monday assured the public that the country’s national debt, now close to PHP17 trillion as of end-March 2025, remains within a sustainable level despite recent increases. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized that the government’s borrowing under the Marcos administration was channeled primarily into ‘growth enhancing investments’ such as infrastructure, education, agriculture, health, and social services.

According to Philippines News Agency, Castro highlighted the government’s contributions to various sectors, saying, “We can see what help the President and the government have extended to our farmers, our fishermen; even the increase in assistance and aid to our fellow Filipinos – you can see that.” She also referenced the Department of Finance (DOF), which maintains that the debt level is sustainable and still below the international threshold of a 70 percent debt-to-GDP ratio.

Data from the Bureau of the Treasury showed the Philippines’ sovereign debt stock has risen to a record-high of nearly PHP16.92 trillion as of end-May 2025, amid continued capital raising efforts by the government to support its budgetary requirements. This represents a 0.99 percent increase from the end-April level of PHP16.75 trillion.