The Manila Times | Biz chambers welcome Duterte’s call to pass priority bills

“These will further improve the investment climate and business confidence in the Philippines. The ECCP likewise emphasizes the crucial role that strengthening the country’s public health system through the Universal Health Care Act plays in addressing the pandemic and future health crises,” said Wittig.

“For the remaining months of the current administration, the chamber continues to call for the creation of the Department of Water Resources, the speedy rollout of big-ticket infrastructure projects, the efficient vaccine rollout, as well as a level playing field for foreign and local businesses across industries,” he added.

Wittig said ECCP remains committed to closely working with the government to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 and advocate for key measures that will accelerate economic recovery and restore business confidence

British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (BCCP) Executive Director Chris Nelson meanwhile also expressed hope that the Congress will pass the amendments to the Retail Trade Liberalization Act (RTLA), Public Service Act (PSA), and the Foreign Investments Act (FIA).

“We are very pleased that the president mentioned the immediate passage of the three bills that we are advocating about which are the RTLA, PSA, and the FIA. Obviously that gives great impetus and we are hopeful that Congress which is now back in session will pass those bills within the next three months,” he told The Manila Times.

Nelson also cited the need to pass the e-governance act, noting that this would further boost the government’s move to streamline its services.

“We need to look at what the government could do in terms of e-government and how that could cut down the process. The more that we can put online, reducing the need for certain approvals is the way forward,” said Nelson.