Filipino entrepreneurs unfazed by corruption scandal — PHILSME

Filipino small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will not hold back on business expansion plans and will keep their growth trajectory despite the ongoing flood control corruption scandal, according to business-to-business trade exposition organizer Philippine SME Business Expo (PHILSME).

At the press conference for the upcoming 17th edition of PHILSME Business Expo, PHILSME CEO and Managing Director Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla said that SMEs "were not losing confidence… Filipinos are firm."

Esguerra-Abrenilla said Filipino entrepreneurs "are not stopping" despite concerns about corruption in government, adding that SMEs are not having a rebellious mindset.

"It doesn't mean that you're going to rebel… that you're not going to pay taxes or that you're not going to increase your business," she said.

Esguerra-Abrenilla said SMEs' confidence in the country's investment climate can be reflected on the anticipated participants in the two-day 17th PHILSME Business Expo happening on November 28 to 29, 2025 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City.

"At least we're anticipating at least 12,000 people to visit us… so last year, it was 6,000 people," she said.

She added that this year's edition of the business-to-business matching platform would also highlight franchisers.

"Since the data showed us that there are a lot of people visiting, looking for opportunities into the F&B sector. So it makes sense to us to dedicate a bigger space for franchise sources and franchises," Esguerra-Abrenilla said.

"So 20% of the exhibitors are offering franchising businesses," she said.

The PHILSME CEO said some 130 exhibitors will showcase business solutions and opportunities.

Esguerra-Abrenilla said that "Filipinos are more brave now" to venture into entrepreneurship. — VDV, GMA Integrated News