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Philippines-Taiwan Industrial Collaboration Summit

BOC, PCCI, and PHILEXPORT renew partnership to boost trade digitalization and competitiveness

51st PBC&E

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Dr. Hernando Delizo, Director for Health and Wellness of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), speaks before the delegates of the 3rd Philippine Pharma and Healthcare Expo, officially opening the event today at the SMX Convention Center.
Dr. Delizo conveyed the PCCI's support for the Expo and its objectives of strengthening healthcare access and collaboration across sectors.
"This gathering is a milestone in our collective journey toward building a healthier, more resilient, and more inclusive future for our people,” Dr. Delizo said. The Expo serves as a platform for fostering partnerships, promoting innovation, and encouraging investment in the healthcare sector.
Organized by Genesis Global Exhibitions, ACE Group, and the ASEAN–India Economic Council, the event brought together industry leaders, innovators, and partners to showcase advancements in pharmaceuticals and healthcare technologies.

Dr. Delizo conveyed the PCCI's support for the Expo and its objectives of strengthening healthcare access and collaboration across sectors.

The Philippines continues to broaden its trade engagement amid a challenging global environment.&nbsp;
During the Industry-Trade Policy Dialogue on 26 January 2026, Undersecretary Allan Gepty of the Department of industry’s International Trade Group discussed developments on the PH-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the PH–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the PH–Chile CEPA, and the implications of US tariff measures.

Current Trade Context
•	The Philippines recorded a USD 45 billion trade deficit in goods in 2025, underscoring the need to strengthen domestic manufacturing and export capacity.
•	Trade in services remained in surplus at USD 9.8 billion, highlighting the importance of services and professional exports in the country’s trade strategy.

Key Developments in Trade Negotiations
•	PH–UAE CEPA. The country’s first FTA in the Middle East eliminates tariffs on 95% of Philippine exports to the UAE and expands market access for Filipino professionals, particularly in healthcare, engineering, and architecture.
•	PH–EU FTA (under negotiation). With an estimated USD 12 billion in unrealized trade potential, the agreement covers not only tariffs but also government procurement, digital trade, sustainability, and labor standards.
•	PH–Chile CEPA (under negotiation). The Philippines’ first prospective FTA in Latin America, strategically important for securing copper supplies vital to EVs, data centers, and AI-related industries.
•	US Tariffs. The Philippines faces a 19% reciprocal tariff rate, with additional Section 232 tariffs affecting steel, auto parts, and a limited number of semiconductor tariff lines.

Key Concerns Raised by the Business Sector
Business stakeholders welcomed the expansion of trade agreements but highlighted several practical concerns that will determine whether these translate into real gains:
•	Compliance Costs and Standards. Firms, especially SMEs, expressed concern over their capacity to comply with SPS, technical, sustainability, and labor standards, particularly under the proposed PH–EU FTA.
•	Government Procurement Commitments. Questions were raised on the potential impact of opening government procurement markets, balancing the protection of local industries under the Tatak Pinoy strategy with the need to access advanced technology and equipment not produced locally.
•	Automotive and Manufacturing Sensitivities. Industry participants flagged concerns over tariff concessions on motor vehicles and automotive parts, noting that impacts differ depending on whether firms are import-dependent or engaged in local production.
•	Competitive Disadvantage in Key Markets. Businesses pointed to zero-tariff access enjoyed by competitors such as Vietnam in certain markets, including Mexico. Undersecretary Gepty clarified that accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) targeted by 2027, could help address this gap.
•	Awareness and Utilization Gaps. Many firms remain unaware of existing FTA opportunities, while others lack the institutional capacity to take advantage of them even when tariffs are reduced to zero.

Moving Forward
Undersecretary Gepty emphasized that FTAs alone are not sufficient. Targeted technical assistance, exporter education, and support for SPS and standards compliance, particularly for SMEs, are critical to unlocking the Philippines’ unrealized export potential. Stakeholder input will remain essential as negotiations progress, especially in sensitive areas such as government procurement and digital trade.
Bottom line: Trade agreements offer significant opportunities, but addressing business concerns and implementation challenges will be key to ensuring that Philippine enterprises can compete and succeed in global markets.

TRADE POLICY UPDATE: OPPORTUNITIES EXPAND, BUSINESS CONCERNS REMAIN

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) presents its Audit Reforms for 2026 in consultation with the Partnership with the Multi-Sectoral Group (PMSG), a public–private collaboration chaired by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI). This meeting kicks off a series of PMSG activities and consultations this year, setting the tone for sustained engagement between the government and the private sector toward a fair, predictable, and transparent audit environment.
The consultation is attended by the complete BIR Management Committee, led by Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza and all Deputy Commissioners, with the participation of Assistant Commissioners, Chiefs of Offices, and technical staff. Also present are 20 representatives from private sector member organizations, PCCI, TMAP, MAP, FINEX, ACPAPP, ACPACI, PICPA, MBC, ATIN, JFC, PHILEXPORT, and FFCCCII.
In his message, Commissioner Mendoza emphasized that taxation is a shared responsibility between the State and taxpayers, essential to delivering public services. He stressed that reform is dynamic, not static, and must continually evolve based on actual experience, feedback, and assessment. Consultation, he noted, is not the end of the conversation, but part of an ongoing partnership.
The BIR outlined key policy directions, particularly the identified gaps in pre-audit controls, audit and assessment processes, institutional structure, and IT systems and monitoring. A comprehensive revenue issuance addressing these reforms is expected to be issued by the BIR soon.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) presents its Audit Reforms for 2026

PCCI President Ferdinand A. Ferrer highlighted the Chamber’s role in helping businesses measure and reduce emissions through chamber-led capacity building, policy engagement, technology exchange, and governance initiatives during a roundtable discussion at the PASTi Hybrid Seminar on Quality GHG Measurement and Reporting, held at Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati City. He emphasized the importance of enabling small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to fully understand and appreciate the value of greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting and the adoption of circular economy practices as drivers of competitiveness and resilience.
President Ferrer was joined by Engr. Bienvenido Cruz, First Vice President and Head of Strategy and Business Development of ProExcel Property Managers Inc. (Filinvest); Ms. Ma. Janice Patulot, Business Development Director of Becis Bioenergy Corporation; Engr. Erico G. Lapitan, Manager of the Environment Section of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation and Bonar Laureto, Principal at SGV&amp;Co who moderated the session.
The seminar was organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, with the support of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), to strengthen private-sector engagement in climate action and environmental transparency.

PCCI President  Ferdinand A. Ferrer highlighted the Chamber’s role in helping businesses measure and reduce emissions

PCCI leaders, led by President Ferdinand “Perry” Ferrer, met with ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN BAC) Philippines Chairman Joey Concepcion to align the private sector’s agenda and priorities in anticipation of the Philippines hosting of the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) on 9-10 November 2026.
The PCCI will work closely with ASEAN BAC Philippines, mobilizing and engaging its local chamber members, business councils, and industry associations to ensure a successful and meaningful 2026 ASEAN Summit that highlights the Philippines’ role in advancing regional integration.
Present at the meeting were Jude Aguilar, PCCI Chairman; George Barcelon, PCCI Chairman Emeritus; Donna Angulo, Manager, PCCI Communications Unit; Patrick Chua, Executive Director, ASEAN BAC Philippines; Eva Pasagui, Chief Partnerships Officer, ASEAN BAC Philippines; and JR Bombarda, Chief Programs Officer, ASEAN BAC Philippines.

PCCI leaders, led by President Ferdinand “Perry” Ferrer, met with ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN BAC) Philippines Chairman Joey Concepcion

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) welcomed the passage of the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) as a critical blueprint for national advancement, noting the importance of ensuring that allocations truly benefit all Filipinos.
“We welcome the passage of the 2026 GAA and we hope that the taxpayers’ money will be judiciously spent and utilized in ways that benefit all Filipinos. It should drive inclusive growth and economic progress across the country,” PCCI President Ferdinand “Perry” Ferrer said in a statement, adding that effective implementation must be carried out in consultation with the private sector.
To further strengthen budget transparency, Ferrer expressed support for the proposed CADENA Act (Citizens’ Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability), which seeks to make every peso of public spending fully transparent, traceable, and accountable to the public.
“It is not enough to know what projects are created and funded but rather the detailed cost of the project should be transparent to ensure efficient use of taxpayers money. There has to be proper check and balance in every project spending,” he added.
Ferrer also welcomed President Marcos’ move to veto approximately P92.5B unprogrammed funds, describing it as a decisive step toward promoting fiscal discipline, accountability, and transparency in government spending.
The PCCI chief highlighted five priority areas where the national budget can be programmed to drive inclusive growth and long-term economic progress. These priorities include the development and enhancement of both hard and soft infrastructure systems; investment in education and workforce skills to build a future-ready labor force; measures to boost trade competitiveness and develop resilient supply chains; initiatives to reinforce economic resilience and manage inflation; and policies that safeguard food, water, and energy security for all Filipinos.
“Implemented with integrity and in close consultation with the private sector, the 2026 GAA can be a transformative tool for enhancing Philippine competitiveness. We look forward to deepening our collaboration to ensure public spending effectively empowers MSMEs, creates quality jobs, and catalyzes long-term, inclusive growth,” Ferrer added.
Likewise, Ferrer urged the adoption of strong fiduciary safeguards and institutionalized stakeholder dialogues during the budget execution phase, ensuring that allocations must be translated into tangible economic value that strengthens investors’ confidence and sustains public trust.

2026 GAA must benefit all Filipinos - PCCI

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry is urging the Marcos administration to undertake decisive action through procedural and policy reforms that go beyond prosecution to address the systemic corruption and abuses in government.
In an interview, newly-installed PCCI President Ferdinand “Perry” Ferrer said that corrective measures have to be instituted and institutionalized to prevent the massive abuse in power and stealing of peoples’ money from happening again.
“While corrective measures in budgeting and accountability are underway, there has to be policy changes that should stop corruption in government,” Ferrer said, adding that these measures must go beyond putting people in jail and bringing them to courts.
He said that corruption has indirectly affected enterprises operations. “We continue to run our businesses as resilient and as cautious as possible, but our people, the people in the operations have really been affected and dismayed over this massive corruption issue that has, at times, affected their productivity and ultimately, our overall operations,” Ferrer added.
He stressed the billions of pesos lost to corruption could have been channeled to better the country’s digital connectivity and infrastructure, which in turn could improve the Philippines’ position as an investment destination.
“The future is digital. Our MSMEs, which comprise 97 percent of businesses in the country, are not reliably connected to the internet. We need to ensure they are connected and can use e-commerce faster and efficient. If we improve their economic standing, the country improves,” he noted.
However, he clarified that cybersecurity is another concern that the government and private sector must work in handy to ensure that MSMEs can operate safely and efficiently in the digital space.
Moreover, Ferrer said that digitalization is also vital in improving the ease of doing business, providing transparency and efficiency, reducing human intervention, and aligning with global best practices.
“Starting a business is easy and simple but sustaining operations remains difficult due to regulatory inconsistencies. But there is a spark of hope at the end of the tunnel. There are agencies pushing hard for simplification,” he added.

PCCI calls for stronger anti-corruption reforms, digital transformation to drive PH growth 

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) held a briefing on the utilization of the country’s existing free trade agreements (FTAs), including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Philippines–Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement (PH–ROK FTA), PH-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), and the US–Philippines reciprocal tariffs arrangement.
DTI Undersecretary for International Trade Allan Gepty noted that the Philippines’ utilization rate of RCEP currently stands at around 20 percent. He emphasized that the country continues to face a significant trade deficit with our trading partners, prompting the government to proactively strengthen its information and awareness campaigns to educate businesses on how to avail of and maximize the benefits of these FTAs.
PCCI Pres. Consul Enunina Mangio welcomed the officials of DTI and expressed appreciation for updating the business community on the latest developments of the various FTAs.
PCCI leaders and representatives of the various PH industries actively participated the meeting, sharing their insights, concerns, and recommendations to effectively implement and maximize the full benefits of these FTAs.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) held a briefing on the utilization of the country’s existing free trade agreements

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) views the announcement of President Bongbong Marcos' four priority governance reform bills as a potentially transformative step toward a more stable, predictable, and transparent business environment. PCCI commends the President for focusing on these fundamental institutional reforms, which align with the private sector’s long-standing advocacy for good governance and a level playing field.
PCCI sees the four bills PBBM identified - the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill, the Partylist System Reform Act, the Citizens Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (CADENA) Act, and the Independent People’s Commission Act - as important tools for strengthening democratic institutions and fostering an environment conducive to long-term investment and economic stability.
Specifically, PCCI is strongly and unequivocally endorsing the CADENA Act, emphasizing that transparency in public expenditure is a direct catalyst for investor confidence.
"Enhanced visibility on how public funds are allocated and spent, particularly for infrastructure and procurement, reduces corruption risks, ensures fair competition, and promotes efficient use of taxpayer resources," PCCI President Consul Enunina Mangio said adding, "Once enacted into law and With robust implementation, the CADENA Act may become one of the most impactful anti-corruption and pro-investment measures we have in recent years."
The chamber likewise strongly backs the Independent People’s Commission Act (IPCA), noting that independent oversight and credible citizen participation strengthen democratic institutions and contribute to a stable policy and business environment. Predictability and accountability, PCCI stresses, are essential for sustained economic planning and industrial growth.
The chamber urged President Marcos to certify these four measures as urgent to ensure their timely deliberation and passage.
“These bills are more than governance reforms—they are confidence-building measures that signal our country’s commitment to integrity and accountability. Certifying them as urgent will help accelerate their passage and send a strong message to investors that the Philippines is serious about creating a clean, fair, and competitive business environment,” Mangio said.
PCCI sees the four bills as a cohesive governance reform package that, once passed and effectively implemented, can significantly strengthen public institutions and improve the business and investment climate. The chamber said it stands ready to engage government in constructive dialogue to support these reforms and to continue advocating for policies that deepen good governance, foster investor confidence, and promote sustainable economic growth for all Filipinos.

PCCI calls on PBBM to certify 4 priority governance reform bills as urgent

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), the Philippine Exporters Confederation (Philexport) and the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) today issued a joint call endorsing HB 6740. Authored by TUCP Party-list Representative and House Deputy Speaker Raymond Mendoza, the bill seeks to exempt electricity sales from Value-Added Tax (VAT).
The organizations emphasized that electricity is a basic and indispensable input affecting households, small and large enterprises, and key industries. Exempting electricity from VAT would provide immediate relief to consumers.
“A VAT exemption on electricity will provide direct and immediate relief to the Filipino people. Removing this burden shows our faith that Filipinos can achieve their highest potential if we stop weighing them down with excessive taxation on our already expensive power," said House Deputy Speaker and the bill's author, TUCP Party-list Rep. Raymond Mendoza. “This is not only an economic measure; it is a social protection that safeguards workers and families. The benefits of cheaper power for both small entrepreneurs and major industries to grow, attract more investments, and generate decent employment for our people do not merely offset but far outweigh the cost to the Government.”
The business groups noted that high power costs remain one of the country’s biggest barriers to competitiveness, particularly in manufacturing. Removing VAT on electricity would reduce operating costs, helping factories expand production, attract new investments, and increase the sector’s contribution to GDP and job creation.
“If we want to attract investors and grow our industrial base, we must address power costs head-on,” said PCCI President Enunina Mangio said. “Removing VAT on electricity is a concrete step toward making the Philippines more competitive.”
The groups added that the measure would not only safeguard jobs but also support the creation of new ones.
“With more affordable power, industries can scale up operations, while micro, small, and medium enterprises can better manage rising expenses and sustain employment,” PCCI Chairman and Director of the Energy Committee, George Barcelon emphasized
The groups underscored that the Philippines is competing for a new wave of investments -especially energy-intensive investments such as data centers, advanced manufacturing, and digital infrastructure.
PCCI Chairman for Energy and Power David Chua noted: “We are in a global race for high-value, energy-intensive investments. Lowering electricity costs through a VAT exemption signals that our country is serious about attracting industries that create quality jobs.”
The groups further stressed that the proposed VAT exemption should be viewed not as a loss in revenue, but as a strategic investment - one that will yield returns through stronger economic activity, increased business confidence, and broader tax bases in the long run. By reducing the cost of electricity, the government empowers industry to grow, enhances productivity, and creates a more dynamic and resilient economy.
"The endorsement by business groups and the TUCP to exempt electricity sales from VAT is heartening. Finally, employers and labor have unanimously agreed that this is the measure that will free up workers and consumers from the burden of VAT and at the same time, trigger the creation of more and quality jobs for Filipino workers with prospects for better livelihoods. This is the better approach than the age-old palliatives and ayuda," expressed TUCP Vice President Luis Corral.

Business groups endorse TUCP bill exempting VAT on electricity sales Measure seen to ease consumer burden and boost economic competitiveness

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Dr. Delizo conveyed the PCCI's support for the Expo and its objectives of strengthening healthcare access and collaboration across sectors.

TRADE POLICY UPDATE: OPPORTUNITIES EXPAND, BUSINESS CONCERNS REMAIN

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) presents its Audit Reforms for 2026

PCCI President Ferdinand A. Ferrer highlighted the Chamber’s role in helping businesses measure and reduce emissions

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