The influential Makati Business Club (MBC) is confident that the incoming slate of lawmakers that won seats in the 2025 midterm elections will form an active Congress that would approve critical measures, such as the long languishing freedom of information (FOI) bill.

In an interview on Tuesday, May 13, the day after the elections, MBC executive director Rafael Ongpin said the business group sees the 20th Congress as “very functional” in terms of authoring and approving important bills.

“Well, for one, I think there will be a more functional assembly of people. They're not going to be squabbling among each other,” said Ongpin.

He noted that a potential quarrel could arise in the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, although noting that it’s “just political noise” for the business group.

When asked for specific lawmakers, Ongpin said MBC is particularly happy with the successful bid of senatorial candidates Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan, as well as the Akbayan Party-list.

“It shows that there are people who vote on issues rather than personalities, so we're happy that the electorate was sensible enough to choose them,” he said.

Based on the partial and unofficial tally of the elections, both Aquino and Pangilinan ranked second and fifth, respectively, in the senatorial race. This is an impressive feat after not being among the strongest contenders based on pre-election surveys.

Meanwhile, Akbayan, led by first nominee Atty. Chel Diokno, dominated in the party-list race in the House of Representatives, securing three seats in the process.

Ongpin, however, acknowledged that there are election victors who were likely voted due to their personalities, which he said signifies the continued rifts in Philippine politics.

Meanwhile, he said the key measure that MBC will push among the new legislators is the proposed FOI bill, which aims to address corruption and government inefficiency through transparency.

Ongpin noted that this bill, which MBC has long advocated for, currently has several versions in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

“So we’re hoping to consolidate that with the current crop of senators, so this consolidation is more likely to happen,” he pointed out.

The business leader is upbeat about the chances of the bill’s enactment into law after receiving support from the government, particularly from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

In a separate statement, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is urging the new set of senators and congressmen to pass bills that will ignite a stronger business ecosystem.

PCCI, the largest business organization in the country, is eyeing the passage of the Magna Carta for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) which will extend the mandatory allocation of MSME loans by banks.

It is also advocating for the amendments of the charters of Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to separate their respective regulatory oversight and developmental functions.

In this regard, the developmental functions will be overseen by a private entity that will be responsible for the development and commercial functions of the ports.

The group is also pushing for the International Maritime Trade Competitiveness bill that would mandate the regulatory oversight of international shipping lines, ensuring that shipping charges are based on global practices.

PCCI is also calling for the enactment of the National Quality Infrastructure bill that will facilitate the access of local products to global markets, as well as the Rationalization of the Mining Fiscal Regime measure to gain clarity on tax policies in mining.

“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,” said PCCI President Enunina Mangio.

MBC, which comprises the country’s leading business executives, is also in high spirits after the conduct of the elections, which it described as “very free and fair.”

“The smoothness of this political exercise shows that we are a stable country politically and that has implications for our economy,” said Ongpin.

According to Ongpin, a successful election equates to political stability, making the Philippines more investor friendly.