FALSE. Presidential Communications Office Usec. Atty. Claire Castro declared that the administration has been “doing well” to improve the status of the Philippines amid its debt.
FACT. There is no verified statement or official release showing that Castro made such a declaration, making the claims unsubstantiated and misleading.
Misattributing statements to public officials creates a distorted picture of national progress. Assertions that the Philippines is “fully on track” or “clearly thriving” are being repeated without proof. This practice undermines public trust in the country’s actual economic condition.
While it is accurate that the Philippines is carrying over P17 trillion in national debt, this figure alone does not reflect the full scope of unresolved issues. Corruption scandals have delayed key public investments, and a large portion of government revenue is allocated to debt servicing, limiting resources for essential sectors such as health, education, and social services.
Economic indicators also point to challenges beneath official growth claims. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth has shown signs of slowing, particularly when weighed against inflation and population growth.
At the same time, flood control and infrastructure projects continue to face cost overruns, delays, and recurring damage. Many communities remain vulnerable, dealing with job insecurity, high food prices, and disaster risks, which these realities contrast with the claimed narratives of ‘progress.’
