BUSINESS groups welcomed policy directions outlined by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during Monday’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), including calls for energy reforms, continued anti-corruption efforts and other initiatives aimed at long-term stability, self-sufficiency, public-private collaboration, and economic modernization.
The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) expressed support for changes to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, a push to adopt nuclear energy and renewable energy initiatives such as the Sariling Kuryente Act, increased electric vehicle takeup, and grid modernization.
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said energy security should remain a top priority.
The three business chambers also emphasized the importance of digital transformation and trade facilitation and expressed support for the National Single Window System, the eGov platform, and efforts to digitalize government and healthcare services.
They agreed that upskilling, reskilling, and digital literacy were vital to making the Filipino workforce globally competitive.
Support was also expressed for strategic developments like the Pax Silica Industrial Hub, the Luzon Economic Corridor and free trade agreements with other countries.
Marcos was commended for addressing infrastructure, governance and accountability issues and the PCCI praised the administration's stance on public spending transparency, corruption oversight, and disaster response resilience.
Additionally, they underscored the importance of mass transit, green lane investment facilitation, and passing the Accelerated and Reformed Right-of-Way Act for infrastructure delivery.
The PCCI, however, said Marcos could have outlined strategies that would help the Philippines remain competitive compared to its Asean neighbors.
The PCCI and ECCP also noted that business growth depends on regulatory certainty and reducing administrative friction.
They emphasized that consistent implementation, regulatory certainty, and ease of doing business would be essential to translate promises into actual investments.
As for Marcos’ hope that electric vehicles comprise half of those running on the country’s roads by 2040, Asian Federation of Electric Vehicle Associations President Edmund Araga said this highlighted the need to implement the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act and the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry.
Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. President Jose Maria Atienza, meanwhile, said the government should consider extending the elimination of tariffs on hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and battery electric vehicles beyond 2028.
"This, together with programs like the EVIS (Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy), which promotes local production of electrified vehicles, will help the country achieve [its] 50 percent EV target by 2040," Atienza said.
