PCCI Urges Lawmakers: Push Pro-Business Reforms for a Stronger Economy
PCCI outlines key legislative priorities—from MSME support to infrastructure reform—and urges Congress to enact policies.
The business sector is wasting no time in outlining its hopes for the country’s legislative agenda. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the nation’s largest business organization, has issued a call for the new Congress to prioritize economic measures that will drive competitiveness and sustainable growth.
In a press statement, PCCI President Enunina V. Mangio identified several legislative priorities that are essential if the country wants to build a more inclusive and progressive economy.
Among them: a stronger Magna Carta for MSMEs, which proposes to expand the mandatory allocation of loans to small businesses and lift Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) regulatory cover on the Small Business Corporation (SB Corp.), a government financial institution mandated to support the development of MSMEs in the country. This would allow the SB Corp. to provide development loans with greater flexibility—within an out-of-the-box framework.
Shipping and logistics are also on the agenda. International Maritime Trade Competitiveness is crucial to ensuring fair regulation of international shipping lines. There is a need to guarantee that charges are based on international best practices, are reasonable, and taxed properly—especially as these are imposed locally.
Infrastructure-wise, PCCI recommends amendments to the charters of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). The goal: to separate regulatory and developmental functions. Developmental roles will, moving forward, ideally be handled by a private entity, freeing up the PPA and CAAP to focus solely on regulation.
Also high on the list: the National Quality Infrastructure Act, which would help Filipino products break into global markets by ensuring they meet international quality standards. Meanwhile, the Rationalization of the Mining Fiscal Regime is seen as a path toward clarity and predictability in taxation—a must in a sector where projects can take 5 to 10 years.
“These are some of our wishes that hopefully, this new Congress will consider enacting. These reform measures are essential if we want to build a better and progressive economy,” Mangio said.
How Legislation Affects the Economy
She emphasized the need for lawmakers who not only value good governance but also grasp how laws impact the economy: “Ideally, with good economic and financial literacy and understand global trade and investment because understanding how legislation affects the economy is crucial for drafting policies that encourage business development, job creation, and foreign investment,”
The PCCI also acknowledged major legislative gains that have helped create a more enabling business climate in recent years. These include the Ease of Doing Business Act, amendments to the Public Service Act, and key tax reforms such as TRAIN, CREATE, and CREATE MORE.
Further, the PCCI president highlighted the importance of having legislators who can champion policies that drive economic stability and growth, while creating a supportive and enabling environment for businesses.
The business community hopes these gains won’t be just maintained—but built upon. The message is clear: sound policy, backed by sound leadership, is the cornerstone of a stronger Philippine economy.
