Philippines Government Spending
Government expenditure as % of GDP GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS
Philippines's government spending was 19.08% in 2025, ranked 87th globally. This represents a 13.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Philippines's government spending stood at 19.08% in 2025, a rise of +2.20% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 19.08% by 2025. Philippines ranked 87th globally.
The Philippines' government spending has exhibited a moderate increase over the past 29 years, with a notable surge during the COVID-19 pandemic. At its all-time peak in 2020, government spending reached 19.56% of GDP, a significant jump from the trough of 12.82% in 2014. Since then, the country has sustained a relatively high level of government spending, with the latest figure standing at 19.08% in 2025. This places the Philippines among the top 90 countries globally in terms of government spending as a share of GDP. In comparison, countries with similar spending levels include Uganda, which ranked 19.02% in 2025, and Saudi Arabia, which topped the list at 19.98%. The Philippines' government spending trend is expected to remain relatively stable, however, a significant shift in the country's fiscal policy or a major economic downturn could alter this trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 19.40% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 19.08% | - | - |
| 2025 | 19.08% | +2.20% | #87 |
| 2023 | 16.88% | −1.73% | #12 |
| 2022 | 18.61% | −0.53% | #24 |
| 2021 | 19.14% | −0.42% | #31 |
| 2020 | 19.56% | +4.75% | #31 |
| 2019 | 14.81% | +0.59% | #22 |
| 2018 | 14.21% | +0.60% | #21 |
| 2017 | 13.61% | +0.18% | #19 |
| 2016 | 13.44% | −0.04% | #16 |
| 2015 | 13.48% | +0.66% | #18 |
| 2014 | 12.82% | −0.39% | #14 |
| 2013 | 13.21% | −0.34% | #19 |
| 2012 | 13.55% | +0.02% | #20 |
| 2011 | 13.52% | −0.27% | #18 |
| 2010 | 13.79% | −0.72% | #17 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Philippines matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2012. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw government spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Philippines's government spending was 19.08% in 2025. Ranked 87th globally. This represents a 13.0% increase from the previous year.
Philippines's government spending peaked at 19.56% in 2020.
The lowest government spending in Philippines was 12.82% in 2014.
Philippines ranks 87th globally in government spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Philippines's government spending is projected to reach 19.08% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The government spending of Philippines in 2025 was 19.08%. This ranks 87th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_philippines_government-spending,
title = {Philippines Government Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/philippines/government-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}