PCCI asks new lawmakers to prioritize 5 critical measures

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MANILA, Philippines — The country’s largest business organization on Tuesday urged newly elected lawmakers to focus on key economic reforms as it emphasized the urgent need to pass critical legislative measures to enhance the country’s global competitiveness and foster long-term business growth.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) president Enunina Mangio identified five key measures the group believes should take priority in the legislative agenda of the 20th Congress.

The first one is the Magna Carta for micro, small and medium enterprises which seeks to extend the mandatory allocation of loans from commercial banks for these businesses.

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Another proposed measure is the creation of an International Maritime Trade Competitiveness framework, which will provide regulatory oversight of international shipping lines and ensure that shipping charges are based on international best practices, reasonable and subject to taxes, as these are charged at a local level.

The PCCI official also called for amendments to the charters of the Philippine Ports Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines to separate their regulatory oversight and developmental functions.

At the same time, Mangio pushed for the enactment of a National Quality Infrastructure Act to facilitate the access of local products to global markets by ensuring that these meet international quality standards.

She also called for the rationalization of the country’s mining fiscal regime to ensure greater clarity and predictability in tax policies. She stressed that long-term investment decisions in the mining sector, where the timeline from exploration to production can span between five and 10 years, depend heavily on a stable policy environment.

“These reform measures are essential if we want to build a better and progressive economy,” Mangio said.

She highlighted the role of lawmakers who will advocate for policies that support economic stability, drive growth and create a business-friendly environment.

“Leaders with integrity and good governance are accessible and have constructive engagement with business, or at least have pro-business legislative track records that support reducing red tape and promote competition and [small and medium enterprises] growth,” Mangio said. /cb