The Philippines has secured a mid-tier position in the World Bank’s 2025 Business-Ready (B-Ready) report, ranking 53rd out of 101 economies, signaling steady competitiveness despite a more diverse and advanced pool of countries included in the latest assessment.
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Strong Performance in Regulatory Framework
Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Secretary Ernesto Perez welcomed the results, noting that the country’s ranking reflects its ability to remain competitive in a broader global context. He highlighted that the Philippines performed notably well in the Regulatory Framework Pillar, placing 26th out of 101 economies, with its score rising from 70.68 in 2024 to 73.86 in 2025.
“This reflects progress in making clear and predictable rules that support business operations from startup to closure,” Perez explained.
In addition, the country made headway in the Public Services Pillar, where its score increased from 50.80 in 2024 to 57.82 in 2025, placing the Philippines 51st among all assessed economies. Perez emphasized that these gains indicate improvements in government service accessibility and delivery to the business sector.
Operational Efficiency and Key Areas for Reform
The B-Ready report also showed measurable improvements in operational areas, including Utility Services, Market Competition, Financial Services, and Business Entry. The average time to register a new domestic firm decreased from approximately 75 days in 2024 to 53 days in 2025, while registration for foreign firms dropped from about 106 days to 77.5 days over the same period, according to ARTA.
Despite these positive trends, the report underscored areas that require further reforms, such as business insolvency, international trade, labor, and business location, which saw a slight decline from 60.28 in 2024 to 59.74 in 2025. Perez noted that these results highlight the ongoing need to streamline processes like land use, zoning, and permitting.
ARTA expressed confidence that the Philippines’ performance in future B-Ready reports will continue to improve through sustained reform initiatives, stronger coordination with the private sector, and a whole-of-nation approach. The agency also indicated that reforms implemented from late 2024 onward are expected to be reflected in upcoming reports.
This ranking and the progress noted in key pillars have direct implications for Filipino entrepreneurs and investors, as streamlined regulations, improved public services, and faster business registration processes can lower barriers to entry, reduce operational costs, and foster a more competitive environment for local businesses nationwide.
