Philippines GDP shrinks 9.5% in 2020, worst since 1947

Government eyes big rebound in 2021 after first contraction in 22 years

A passenger walks through a nearly deserted passenger terminal Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Paranaque, Metro Manila, Philippines, on Jan. 14. © Reuters

CLIFF VENZON, Nikkei staff writer

January 28, 2021 11:01 JST

Updated on January 28, 2021 15:29 JST

MANILA -- The Philippines ended the pandemic year of 2020 with its worst economic performance since the country began releasing growth data just after World War II in 1947, in what officials say is a consequence of policies to save lives during the COVID-19 crisis.