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The Joint Foreign Chambers urged continued advancement of key economic reforms to strengthen the Philippines’ competitiveness, attract more investments, and support long-term growth ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 5th State of the Nation Address on July 27, 2026
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Priority measures include passage of the National Single Window System Act, AI Act, National Land Use Act, and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and Philippine Ports Authority Charter amendments, among others
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The JFC also pushed for full implementation of the CREATE MORE Act, Ease of Doing Business Act, and Ease of Paying Taxes Act
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The chambers said these reforms could tackle energy costs, digital competitiveness, trade, regulation, and infrastructure issues, helping the Philippines attract investment and engage better in regional and global value chains
The Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) called for the continued advancement of key economic reforms to strengthen the Philippines’ competitiveness, attract more investments, and support long-term growth ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27.
The JFC – composed of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham), Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines, Inc., Korean Chamber of Commerce Philippines, Inc., and the Philippine Association of Multinational Companies Regional Headquarters, Inc. – submitted a letter to the President highlighting key legislative and executive steps to enhance the country’s investment environment.
The chambers identified several priority measures for either amendments or passage. These include:
- Electric Power Industry Reform Act
- Cybersecurity Act
- Digital Economy Act
- National Single Window System Act
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act
- National Land Use Act
- Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and Philippine Ports Authority charter amendments
- Freedom of Access to Information Act
The JFC also emphasized the importance of fully implementing recently enacted reforms, including the CREATE MORE Act, Ease of Doing Business Act, and Ease of Paying Taxes Act.
The chambers believe these reforms can tackle longstanding issues such as energy costs, digital competitiveness, trade facilitation, regulatory efficiency, and infrastructure governance. Additionally, they can help position the Philippines to attract greater investment and enhance its role in regional and global value chains.
“The Philippines has made meaningful progress in advancing reforms that strengthen investor confidence and improve the business environment,” said Ebb Hinchliffe, executive director of AmCham.
“Continued action on competitiveness-enhancing reforms and effective implementation of existing laws will help attract more investments, create jobs, and sustain economic growth,” Hinchliffe noted.
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The JFC reiterated its dedication to collaborating with the administration, Congress, and relevant agencies to promote policies that enhance competitiveness, innovation, and economic opportunities for Filipinos.
