The following is the current situation of the Philippines in terms of economics, politics, and

healthcare system.
1. Economics
The Philippine economy gained further ground in Q4 2019 after growth revved up in the
third quarter. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) posted a year-on-year growth of 6.4 percent in the
fourth quarter of 2019, resulting in the 5.9 percent full-year growth for 2019. Trade and Repair of
Motor Vehicles, Motorcycles, Personal and Household Goods; Manufacturing; and Construction
were the main drivers of growth for the fourth quarter of 2019. Among the major economic sectors,
Services posted the fastest growth in the fourth quarter of 2019 with  7.9 percent. Industry grew
by 5.4 percent. Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry and Fishing registered a growth of 1.5 percent. This
was largely expected, as the government has been unleashing pent-up fiscal spending that was
delayed due to the budget gridlock in H1. Furthermore, fixed investment continued to recover and
the contribution from the external sector improved mildly. Turning to this year, the narrative should
remain broadly similar. Continued fiscal stimulus and solid consumer dynamics should be keeping
momentum strong in the first quarter. On the downside, potential damage from the eruption of the
Taal Volcano, which lies in an industrial and tourism region just 60 kilometers south of Manila, could
dampen tourist inflows and slightly dent growth in Q1. Economic growth is seen accelerating this
year due to more accommodative monetary and fiscal policy. The government’s infrastructure push
should spur investment and construction, while consumer spending ought to remain resilient
because of a tight labor market and sustained remittances. However, ongoing challenges in the
external sector could weigh on growth. FocusEconomics panelists see GDP expanding 6.2% in 2020,
which is unchanged from last month’s forecast, and 6.3% in 2021.
The Philippines has a status of emerging economy. In recent years, the country has been
steadily growing mainly due to inflow of foreign direct investment and remittances. The Philippines
is the world’s largest center for business process outsourcing. The country also has a strong
industrial sector based on the manufacturing of electronics and other high-tech components for
overseas corporations. The Philippines is rich in natural resources; it has significant reserves of
chromite, nickel, copper, coal and oil.
2. Politics
Since his election for a six-year term in 2016, President Duterte has launched an intense
campaign against drug crime and has distanced the Philippines from the U.S. to strengthen relations
with China and establish closer ties with neighbouring Indonesia and Malaysia. Combating maritime
piracy and Islamist terrorist groups are the other security priorities on the presidential agenda.
Despite some successes in fighting radical Islamist groups, the President’s popularity fell in the
recent 2019 
3. Health
The Philippines is the second most expensive country in terms of medical expenses in
Southeast Asia according to the Mercer Marsh Benefits 2019 Medical Trends Around the World
report. For many Filipinos, especially the poor, getting sick is not an option. Each hour spent in bed
or in the hospital is an hour not spent earning money for one’s own family or oneself. Worse,
catastrophic illnesses continue to be a one-way ticket to poverty for many Filipinos. Thus, if only for
the added assurance and security it offers – and the direction it decisively sets for the healthcare
sector at large – the Universal Health Care Act is a very welcome development indeed. Yet
achieving genuinely universal healthcare is far from being a done deal.
 President Duterte has signed into law the Universal Healthcare Bill. The new law guarantees
that all Filipinos have access to affordable healthcare. However, the population of the Philippines
is forecast to grow from 105 million in 2018 to 142 million by 2045. This will place pressure on
infrastructure throughout the country and healthcare in particular. Hospitals and the availability of
beds are not growing quickly enough to keep pace with the rising population. Continuing to expand
the healthcare system to keep up with demand will place additional stress on state and national
budgets. At the same time, cutting healthcare funding would prove unpopular and politically
dangerous.
A study has just confirmed what we already know is true: many Filipinos cannot afford to
pay their hospital bills. Philippine Wellness Index chief researcher Fernando Paragas said Filipinos
lack the confidence to address their medical needs. “We are at our weakest when it comes to
medical and financial needs.” Things will not get any better in the foreseeable future. Government
through the Department of Health is too busy trying to cope with a broken public health system that
is also plagued with corruption. Health care is becoming more expensive due to “high-cost
pharmaceuticals, new diagnostics and procedures, and overprescribing of low-value health tests and
procedures,” the consulting firm observed.

References
https://www.focus-economics.com/countries/philippines
https://psa.gov.ph/nap-press-release/node/145079
https://tradingeconomics.com/philippines/gdp-growth
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.aseantoday.com/2019/02/healthcare-for-all-in-the-
philippines-but-is-there-a-catch/amp/
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.philstar.com/business/2019/07/05/1932014/philippines-
healthcare-unaffordable/amp/