The Philippines’ largest umbrella group of exporters warned that the country risks losing foreign investment and stalling its economic momentum following the violent political standoff at the Senate that made international headlines.

In a statement on Friday, May 15, the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport) said ongoing tensions involving the Senate are creating renewed uncertainty in the domestic political environment.

Philexport President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. said this comes at a time when the country should be fully focused on economic recovery, investment promotion, and job generation.

“Businesses value stability, predictability, and strong institutions. Prolonged political turmoil risks affecting investor confidence, weakening market sentiment, and diverting attention from urgent economic priorities,” he said.

Chaos erupted in the Senate on Wednesday night after gunshots rang out within the chamber’s premises, where Senator Ronald dela Rosa was staying to evade arrest.

The International Criminal Court wants Dela Rosa over his involvement as the chief enforcer of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs. Duterte is currently detained in The Hague, where he is awaiting trial over his alleged crimes against humanity.

With this chaotic episode drawing international attention, Ortiz-Luis urged government leaders to “uphold democratic institutions and avoid actions that could further disrupt economic activity and public confidence.”

“At the end of the day, the country’s economic agenda must remain above politics,” said Ortiz-Luis.

“We hope our leaders will work toward restoring public confidence and maintaining a stable environment conducive to business, exports, and inclusive growth,” he added.

Ortiz-Luis warned that prolonged political tensions could directly influence investor confidence and the country’s economic momentum at a time when global uncertainties are already scaling down growth prospects.

He said exporters are already facing external pressures such as the conflict in the Middle East, elevated logistics costs, and weaker global demand, making domestic stability even more important.

“Domestic political noise only adds another layer of uncertainty that could affect competitiveness and expansion plans,” he said. (Dexter Barro II)