MANILA, March 5 -- Senator Sherwin Gatchalian emphasized on Wednesday that economic growth is the government's primary strategy for managing the Philippines' record-high PHP16.3 trillion national debt, urging a focus on expanding revenues rather than alarm over the rising figure.

"The headlines are, of course, shocking. When you see that number, everyone will have a very surprising day," Gatchalian said.

"But if you look at the details, the government's strategy is to outgrow the debt by growing our economy as fast as possible," he added.

Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, explained that a stronger economy leads to higher revenues, which, in turn, provide the government with more ways to pay off debt or mana...