PCCI pushes passage of business-friendly measures

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is urging the House of Representatives to pass business-friendly measures crucial to the recovery efforts, job creation, and long-term progress of the country.

In a statement yesterday, the group said it recently held a dialogue with House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

PCCI president, George Barcelon and the director of its Legislative Committee Benedicta Du-Baladad attended the meeting, where they presented the chamber’s legislative agenda.

At the top of the group’s list of priorities are measures to strengthen the country’s fiscal sustainability to continue and accelerate economic and social development projects.

These include the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program, particularly property valuation and assessment, and passive income and financial intermediation act, respectively.

The group is also pushing for the passage of Capital Market Development Act.

Meanwhile, the group is also pushing for several measures focused on the country’s natural resources, which it could develop for their potential to encourage investments and provide livelihood in the rural areas, and reduce poverty.

These include the Successful Farmers Development Act (Amending the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law), the Tree-Growing Act, and the amendment or repeal of the Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide or the ASIN Law.

To facilitate the agriculture sector and micro and small enterprises’ access to finance as a tool to support their growth, PCCI is seeking amendments to the Magna Carta for MSMEs Act and the Philippine Warehouse Receipts Act.

In line with broadening internet access and ensuring quality, available and affordable broadband connectivity, the group is pushing for the enactment of the Open Access in Data Transmission Act, Better Internet Act, Rural Wired Development Act, Satellite-based Technologies Promotion Act, and the Philippine Spectrum Management Act.

To bring down shipping costs, the PCCI is urging the passage of the International Maritime Trade Act.

Moreover, to ensure that Filipino learners are getting the knowledge and training needed to join the workforce in five to 20 years, the PCCI is proposing the amendment of the Philippine Qualification Act, as well as the Dual Training System Act.

“Speaker Romualdez committed to have five to 10 of the measures enacted within the next three years, the PCCI said, without identying exact measures.

“He assured PCCI that the business sector will be consulted in crafting laws related to trade and commerce, vowing to hear all relevant stakeholders before passing any legislation, “the group said.

During the dialogue, Barcelon intimated the readiness of PCCI to collaborate with the government on reform measures that would boost and strengthen the country’s economic, social and health sectors.