PCCI’s 10-point agenda in line with gov’t vision


BUSINESS TALK

By PCCI CHAIRMAN WILLIAM S. CO

PCCI CHAIRMAN WILLIAM S. CO

The conference successfully concluded with the handing over of the PCCI policy resolutions to President Marcos, which encapsulates the collective aspirations of the Philippine business to the new administration particularly in steering the country towards a higher growth trajectory.

First on the list is food security. The resolution urges the national government to a) amend the Agrarian Reform Law to increase land retention limit from five to 24 hectares, b) implement a debt condonation program for unpaid amortizations of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries, and c) convert Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) into fee simple titles.

Second is health. The resolution urges the national government to reform PhilHealth into a science-based and transparent healthcare system and encourage Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in the implementation of the Universal Healthcare Law.

The third resolution is on employment. It urges the national government to work together with the private sector to a) reenergizes the economy by supporting new investments to generate employment, b) provide assistance to pandemic surviving MSMEs, c) amend all restrictive and punitive labor laws and enact laws that will increase productivity.

Fourth is education. The resolution urges the national government to amend the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) Law to create a Philippine Qualifications Authority (PQA) which will establish and maintain qualification standards for all levels of education and training.

Fifth agenda is national security. It urges the government to deepen cooperation with neighboring states, expand participation in regional and multilateral defense agreements while accelerating the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Sixth is digitalization. The resolution is urging the national government to develop and implement a nationwide internet connectivity program that is reliable and competitive by passing into law the open access in Data Transmission Act.

Seventh resolution is environment and climate change. It urges the national government to address climate change and environmental protection by developing public-private partnerships (PPPs) to establish world-class water and waste management infrastructure.

The resolution eight is on power. It is urging government to accelerate the integration of the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao grids to enable the free flow of electricity nationwide and for the DOE to amend the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Renewable Energy Act to allow 100 percent foreign investment in solar and wind projects.

The ninth resolution is on transportation. It urges the national government to provide world-class integrated transport systems and decouple the regulatory and commercial functions of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and other similarly situated transport agencies.

Lastly, is on international trade. It urges the national government to hasten the ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and to join bilateral free trade agreements and trans-pacific partnerships to minimize barriers to the free flow of goods and services.

The President assured PCCI that he will direct government agencies to assess the feasibility and success of the recommendations listed, which are in line with his administration’s thrust.

(Dr. William S. Co is chairman of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and director of the Agriculture and Fishery committee.)