Local firms call for more government perks, not expenses

CEBU, Philippines — With the implementation of a new round of minimum wage increase early this month, the government is called anew to consider the plight of local industries by giving them incentives, instead of additional expenses.

“They [government] should not make it more difficult for the local businessmen to do business,” said Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) president Virgilio Espeleta.

“If there is a drug war. There is also a war against poverty,” said Espeleta explaining further that implementing additional cost in doing business, such as taxes, minimum wage, among others are killing the economy.

The war against poverty can be aided by boosting local economy by encouraging homegrown industries to thrive, thus, more businesses that will employ more people.

“Don’t kill the business. Support the business,” Espeleta urged.

He mentioned the dying manufacturing sector, the export sector which is still in pain—these industries caused a lot of displaced employees.

According to Espeleta, manufacturing has been bleeding in the last couple of years, and will continue to be so in the next because of high cost of doing business—which include the rising tax rates, Bureau of Customs’ expenses, high cost of power, among others.

“We are building more malls than manufacturing plants,” he added.

Manufacturing, exports, agriculture are only a few of the losing industries in the Philippines, including Cebu.

Local businesses should be given utmost support to continue to provide employment and boost the local economy, rather than depending on imports, he said.