House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has committed to pass five to ten of the 16 priority legislative measures identified by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) within the next three years.
Romualdez made the assurance during a recent dialogue with the PCCI led by its President, George T. Barcelon as the 19th Congress started its regular sessions. During the briefing, PCCI Director for Legislative Committee, Atty. Benedicta Du-Baladad presented the Chamber’s legislative agenda.
According to the PCCI, Romualdez committed to pass 5-10 measures in the wish list during their meeting. The five bills that would be prioritized by Romuadez for passage over the next three years could include the two tax reform measures simply because they are low-hanging measures; agrarian reform amendment; open access in data transmission; and MSME Act amendment.
Romualdez also assured 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.
For his part, Barcelon assured Romualdez of 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.
PCCI said it is counting on the House of Representatives to pursue the enactment of business friendly measures crucial to recovery efforts, jobs creation and the long-term progress of the economy.
Topping the list of priorities are measures to strengthen the country’s fiscal sustainability to continue and accelerate economic and social development projects. These are Packages 3 (Property Valuation and Assessment) and 4 (Passive Income and Financial Intermediation Act) of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program.
The second legislative measure is the Capital Market Development Act, which focuses on the development of the country’s natural resources, encourage investments and provide livelihood in the rural areas, and reduce poverty.
Completing the top five bills are Successful Farmers Development Act (Amending the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law), Tree-Growing Act, and Amendment or Repeal of the ASIN Act to facilitate the agriculture sector and micro and small enterprises’ access to finance as tool to support their growth.
Other laws being pushed by PCCI include Magna Carta for MSMEs Act Amendment; Philippine Warehouse Receipts Act Amendment to broaden internet access and ensure quality, available and affordable broadband connectivity; Open Access in Data Transmission Act; Better Internet Act; Rural Wired Development Act 11. Satellite-based Technologies Promotion Act; Philippine Spectrum Management Act To bring down shipping costs; International Maritime Trade Act; Philippine Ports Authority Act Amendment To ensure that Filipino learners are getting the knowledge and training needed to join the workforce in 5-10-20 years; Philippine Qualification Act Amendment; and Apprenticeship Act/ Amendment to the Dual Training System Act.