Business groups in the Philippines are urging Congress to prioritize key economic measures that would boost export competitiveness and support the digital economy ahead of the 20th Congress's second regular session, which is set to open on Monday, July 27.
The Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (Philexport) President Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis, Jr. has asked lawmakers to focus on the passage of bills that would strengthen the local supply chain and streamline cross-border trade. Philexport hopes that exports will remain a central pillar of the government's economic agenda, according to Ortiz-Luis.
Philexport is seeking the passage of several key bills, including the International Maritime Trade Competitiveness Act, which would regulate excessive shipping and logistics charges, promote transparency, and foster competition. The bill has been pending at the Senate Public Services Committee since last year.
The group is also pushing for the passage of the Customs Amnesty Act, which would resolve customs disputes, encourage voluntary compliance, improve revenue collection, and provide certainty to legitimate exporters and importers. This bill has been pending at the House Ways and Means Committee since last year.
Philexport is also seeking approval of amendments to Republic Act (RA) No. 9501 or the Magna Carta for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The group is seeking more government support for export-oriented MSMEs through improved access to financing, technology, innovation, capacity-building, digitalization, market intelligence, and international market development.
The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) is also pushing for key economic measures, including the passage of bills that would govern the use of artificial intelligence, boost cybersecurity, and support the digital economy. AmCham is also backing the proposed National Single Window System Act, which would allow traders to submit related documents through a centralized digital portal.
The group is also seeking amendments to several key laws, including the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, the National Land Use Act, the Holiday Rationalization Act, and the Blue Economy Act. AmCham is also supporting the Freedom of Access to Information Act, which would give the public wider access to government documents.
The Foundation for Economic Freedom President Calixto V. Chikiamco is urging Congress to approve measures to further liberalize foreign equity restrictions under the Constitution. The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) is also backing several key bills, including the proposed Open Finance and Consumer Data Empowerment Act, which would institutionalize a framework for secure data sharing among banking institutions to help develop tools that drive financial inclusion.
The Philippine Retailers Association Chairman Roberto S. Claudio is urging policymakers to prioritize measures that would level the playing field for the local tourism industry. Claudio is still waiting for the release of the implementing rules and regulations on the value-added tax refund scheme for tourists.
With Congress set to open on Monday, business groups are hoping that the President's State of the Nation Address will lay down a clear roadmap for reducing the cost of doing business, modernizing logistics and quality infrastructure, strengthening MSMEs, and expanding market access through trade agreements.
