Senior business leaders have delivered an unusually blunt message to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.: if the administration wants to stabilize the economy and restore confidence, it must act decisively against those implicated in major scandals—especially the most powerful ones.

According to several sources familiar with recent high-level discussions particularly last weekend, the country’s top tycoons told the President that investor confidence has been materially damaged by prolonged political uncertainty and the perception of selective accountability. Their advice, sources said, was direct and unconditional: put those involved behind bars, starting with the “big fish.”

The exchange took place during a period of heightened anxiety in business circles, as economic managers attempt to reassure investors amid slowing growth momentum, volatile capital flows, and intensifying political risk.

A Message Beyond Incentives

For much of the past two years, the administration has leaned on an investor-friendly reform narrative—tax rationalization, eased foreign ownership restrictions, and measures aimed at improving ease of doing business. These reforms remain important. But the message from business leaders suggests that policy incentives alone are no longer sufficient.

Private-sector sentiment, according to the sources, has shifted from asking what more can be passed to asking what must finally be enforced.

The concern is not theoretical. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority indicate that, although foreign direct investment approvals have been robust on paper, actual inflows have been uneven, with delays and deferrals becoming more common. Bankers privately note that large-ticket investments increasingly come with higher risk premiums, shorter tenors, or contingency clauses tied to political developments.

The Weight of Political Uncertainty

Several individuals present during the President’s recent engagements with business leaders said the discussions were overshadowed by the broader political climate.

While tycoons were conversing with the President, multiple sources noted the imposing presence of his cousin, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. His presence did not go unnoticed.

Rumors are rife in political and business circles that Romualdez is positioning himself to regain the speakership ahead of the opening of the new Congress in July. While no formal moves have been announced, the speculation itself adds another layer of uncertainty to an already unsettled environment.

For investors, leadership stability—both in the executive and legislative branches—matters almost as much as policy direction. Sudden shifts in congressional leadership can affect budget priorities, the pace of legislation, and oversight dynamics, all of which feed into investment decisions.

A Tumultuous First Quarter

There is growing acceptance among political and economic elites that the first quarter of 2026 may already be the most tumultuous period of the year. The looming impeachment proceedings involving Vice President Sara Duterte have injected a level of political drama that markets typically price as risk.

Historically, impeachment processes—regardless of outcome—tend to freeze decision-making across government. Senior officials become cautious, regulatory agencies slow down, and private firms adopt a wait-and-see posture. The result is often weaker consumption sentiment, delayed capital expenditures, and slower near-term growth.

Business leaders, according to the sources, appear resigned to this reality. What they are unwilling to accept, however, is a prolonged period of drift.

Accountability as Economic Policy

The tycoons’ message reframes accountability as an economic imperative rather than a moral one. Their argument is simple: unresolved scandals distort markets. They reward those who can game the system, penalize compliant firms, and raise the cost of capital for everyone else.

When enforcement is perceived as selective, even well-crafted economic reforms lose credibility. Investors begin to question whether rules will be applied evenly, contracts enforced consistently, and disputes resolved impartially.

In that sense, the call to jail those involved—particularly the most influential figures—is less about retribution and more about signaling. It is a demand for a clear break from ambiguity.

What Comes Next

Whether the administration will act on this advice remains to be seen. What is clear is that patience among the country’s most powerful economic actors is wearing thin.

The economy can absorb political noise, but only up to a point. Beyond that, uncertainty becomes self-reinforcing—discouraging investment, weakening confidence, and slowing growth.

The message delivered to the President, as described by those who heard it, was stark: save the economy by restoring credibility. Everything else, including incentives and reform packages, will matter far less if confidence continues to erode.

For now, markets—and the public—are watching to see whether words spoken in private rooms will translate into actions felt across the economy.

Top Administrator Performer to Cross Over to Another Post

Is it true that this highly trusted individual, trusted by the Powerful Couple, is now being asked to leave his post and assume another? This individual, who is still abroad, is reportedly highly effective at neutralising the state’s economic enemies, so that smugglers failed to meet their quota last month —previously considered the most lucrative month of the year, any year.

And why is this guy being made to occupy another post, and this time at the Cabinet level? Well, top leaders of this highly influential religious group want the guy out because they weren’t able to profit from last month. They want their own members to dominate and monopolize trade here in this country.

Who is this guy? Comment down below.