John Paolo Rivera, Senior Research Fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, explained that high interest rates help control consumer spending. He added that businesses and investors become more cautious about borrowing, as higher rates increase the cost of loans. More on this in the full episode of #BusinessBrief. | Bilyonaryo News Channel

WATCH: Philippine Institute for Development Studies Senior Research Fellow John Paolo Rivera explains that if poorly timed, abolishing VAT could be inflationary. Particularly, he said that this will undermine the BSP’s easing cycle and tend to be destructive, affecting inflation expectations and even investor sentiment. Watch the video for more details. | Department of Finance

Master's Development Studies | Institute of Development Studies

What kind of economic structure helps the Philippines grow? In this clip, Dr. Jose Ramon “Toots” Albert, Senior Research Fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, discusses competing views on what kind of economic structure can best drive growth, distinguishing between manufacturing-led development and a more service-driven economy, and what these choices mean for jobs, productivity, and long-term development outcomes. This excerpt is from a longer conversation hosted by INCITE