Business Groups Push for 24 Priority Bills

Business groups have indicated 24 priority legislative measures that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should note as urgent for immediate passing by the 19th Congress to meet the economic recovery targets and guarantee the Philippines’ sustainable long-term growth.

Three business groups specifically, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc, and Employers Confederation of the Philippines have submitted a list of bills to House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.

These groups have asked Congress to “work double time” to pass measures and citing the several delays in pushing for these reforms. Delays included elections, disasters, and hazards. To add, the groups have stated that “We have also been hurt by policies that were implemented with no/insufficient stakeholder consultation.”

The list of priority measures pushed for by the groups includes food and agriculture legislative bills such as the Livelihood Development Bill, the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law, the Successful Farmers Development Act,  and the Free Index-Based Agricultural Insurance.

With regards to government reorganization, civil service, and professional regulation, the business groups are pushing for the passage of the Amendments to RA 9711 or the Food and Drug Administration, Strengthening of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines,  the Creation of the Philippine Airports Development Corp, and the PhilPorts Act (PPA Charter amendment).

With regards to environmental protection, land use, climate change, and natural resources, the business groups are pushing for the National Land Use and Management Act and the Sustainable Forest Management Act.

To prevent product importation of products that can be sourced locally, the business groups are pushing for the passage of the Amendments to the ASIN law as most of the Philippines’ supply of salt is imported.

Source: Manila Bulletin