Bongbong Marcos eyes 80 flagship projects financed via Maharlika fund

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his speech at the  Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit at the George Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, California, US, on Thursday, November 16, 2023 (Philippine time). Philippine Daily Inquirer / Marianne Bermudez

SAN FRANCISCO, United States — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday (Philippine time) said the government is eyeing to finance “about 80 potential infrastructure projects” through the newly created Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF).

In a speech during the Philippine Economic Briefing here, the President said he was looking forward to the operationalization of the MIF, the country’s first-ever sovereign investment fund.

READ: Debates over Maharlika Investment Fund rules continue

He earlier said the MIF would be operational before the year ends.

The MIF, he said, would “serve as an additional source and mode of financing for priority projects of the government,” including the infrastructure flagship projects.

“These projects offer high returns and significant social-economic impact. Currently, we have identified about 80 potential infrastructure projects that are financeable through that fund, the Maharlika Investment Fund,” he said.

READ: DOF chief Diokno: Maharlika fund IRR revisions ‘within bounds of law’

Marcos left the Philippines on Tuesday to embark on a weeklong trip to the United States that include attendance to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit and working visits to Los Angeles and Hawaii.