With the Philippines just $26 short of achieving upper middle-income classification, House Speaker Martin Romualdez is calling on lawmakers to pass key legislation that will ensure the country not only crosses the threshold but also uplifts the lives of ordinary Filipinos.
The World Bank recently reported that the country’s gross national income (GNI) per capita in 2024 reached US$4,470, slightly below the $4,496 minimum required for upper middle-income status.
“Achieving upper middle-income status is a meaningful milestone, but more important is ensuring that growth leads to tangible improvements in the lives of our people,” Romualdez said in a statement issued Saturday.
He emphasized that the upcoming 20th Congress, which begins on July 28, must prioritize laws that will drive inclusive economic growth, enhance public services, and strengthen investments in critical sectors such as infrastructure, digitalization, and human capital.
Government projections, as stated in the 2024 Philippine Development Report, place the country on track to reach upper middle-income status by 2025 or 2026.
