Manila, Dec. 15 -- Officials of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have acknowledged that the Philippine government's macroeconomic policies and reforms support economic growth, but they still cut their growth forecasts for the domestic economy in 2025 and the following year due to the impact of external developments

In a report released Monday, following the end of the Article IV Consultation with the Philippines last Nov. 24, the IMF now sees a gross domestic product (GDP) of 5.1 percent for this year "on increasing tariffs weigh on exports and investments," and 5.6 percent for next year.

These were previously at 5.4 percent and 5.7 percent for 2025 and 2026, respectively.

The report noted the 5.7 percent expansion of the Philippi...