Foreign chambers are pushing for key reforms not mentioned or tackled at great length by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his State of the Nation Address on Monday.
The European Chamber of Commerce (ECCP) called for the swift passage of the mining fiscal regime, the establishment of an apex body to oversee the water sector and for government to place great emphasis on advancing the electric vehicle (EV) industry in the country.
The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) for its part reiterated support for Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) priority measures such as the Konektadong Pinoy bill, the creation of the Department of Water Resources as well as airport governance reform bills.
In a statement, ECCP pushed for the establishment of targeted tariff policies that incentivize the adoption of EVs and for the rollout of a reliable EV charging station network “to foster sustainable transportation practices.”
ECCP said the swift passage of the mining fiscal regime will enable the Philippines attract more investors and enhance its capacity to significantly contribute to the global critical raw materials market.
Aligned with the heightened call for climate responsibility and justice, the ECCP called for the passage of the National
Water Resources Act and the creation of the Department of Water Resources and the Water Regulatory Commission that will promote integrated water resource management.
“This will ensure that issues and concerns in the sector are handled by a dedicated line agency, providing a better venue for resolving matters relating to water resources,” ECCP said.
In a separate statement, Amcham said the Konektadong Pinoy bill will expand internet connectivity and benefit the many digitalization efforts raised during the President’s SONA.
Amcham said the creation of the Department of Water Resources will address the country’s long-running water security and supply concerns.
The group also said airport governance reform bills, which are crucial to improve our aviation and tourism sectors.
