Foreign direct investments (FDIs) are a key source of capital for business development and expansion. The entry of foreign players enhances competition, pumps in more capital, facilitates technology transfers, generates more jobs, and provides consumers with a wider range of choices. The Duterte administration is focused on stepping up measures to attract more FDIs in accordance with its 10-point socioeconomic agenda aimed at achieving higher economic growth and mitigating poverty. FDI has grown from US$1.9 billion in 2011 to US$8.0 billion in 2016. However, data show a drastic reversal in FDI trends, specifically on new investments (net equity) which declined by 45.5 percent in the second quarter of 2016 and 90.2 percent in the first half of 2017, especially those coming from traditional partner-investors including ASEAN member states. The government is thus encouraged to look into not only nagging problems in doing business in the Philippines but also specific factors that have adversely impacted business confidence..