Steven Cua—the executive director of the Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association (PAGASA), a national trade group centered on the interests of local supermarket operators—said the country sorely needed a “breath of fresh air” from political maneuvering in order to regain the interest of foreign investors, who have largely withdrawn from the business sector.

“We need a breath of fresh air para medyo ganahan naman ‘yung mga negosyanteng mag-expand, mag-invest,” Cua said during an interview on Balansyado.

When asked whether political turmoil impacts the prices of goods, Cua said it does, as it presents uncertainty, explaining that the anomalous flood control projects, the Middle East war that has triggered an oil crisis, the Senate “circus” all causes apprehension.

“Dahil dito sa nangyayari around us, both political and geopolitical, ay mababa ang sentimiyento—confidence level sa business sector here as well as the consumer confidence,” Cua told the anchor.

He said that multiple large groups have significantly reduced their local investments in the last quarter due to decreased confidence levels. In addition, he pointed out that this began a chain reaction, which has also brought down employment, and, in turn, consumer spending.

“Nabawasan ‘yun, siyempre mababawasan din ang employment on the side, and so with consumer spending. Lahat ‘yan, damay-damay. We need some breath of fresh air… hindi ‘yung lahat nakatutok sa 2028, it’s all politics and all gimmicks ang nangyayari—to take attention off real investigations siguro sa corruption,” Cua said.

The PAGASA executive director said the country may regain investors’ interest by finally arresting its fugitives.

“We’re lagging behind, that’s one thing you can say for sure… Maganda sanang bumawi,” he said.