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Oath-Taking Ceremony of the 2022-2023 PCCI Board of Directors and Executive Officers with Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III as Inducting Officer and Guest of Honor.

Oath Taking Ceremony 2022-2023 PCCI Board of Directors

PCCI Building

49th Philippine Business Conference & Expo

<a href="https://youtu.be/a6UnAxI43tk" target="_self">Video</a>&nbsp;

PCCI Fun Run 2023

PCCI Officers Induction 2023

ICYMI: PCCI Board of Directors headed by President George T. Barcelon with Honorable. Senator Cynthia A. Villar during the 2nd Legislative Talks: New Agrarian Emancipation Act

PCCI Board with Honorable. Senator Cynthia A. Villar

The Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc.

Philippine Franchise Association (PFA)

National Grid Corporation of the Philippines 

LT Group, Inc. 

San Miguel Corporation

ICCT Colleges

Huawei

VC Securities Corporation

Megaworld Corporation

Philtrust Bank

Converge Business

Angkas

Philippine Business Bank

Zesto Corporation

ARC Refreshments Corporation

Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc.

EMS Group

Integrated Computer Systems Inc

PMFTC

Intel

Lenovo

SM Investments

Hotel 101

Wilcon Depot

Metrobank

Waterfront

ECPAY

PAGIBIG

PAGCOR

Jaguar

First Gen

Filremit

Jollibee Foods Corporation

Toyota

Questworks

J. Chemie Laboratory Inc.

Grentek Solutions Inc

Itbs Corp

Following the first series of our Industry B2B and Fellowship on real estate and construction last May 31, we are holding our second series featuring the FOOD SECTOR on August 10.
The food industry is a diverse network of businesses covering areas of production, manufacturing and processing, packaging, distribution, trading, logistics, marketing and other services. It does not only focus on finished products but considers raw materials and supplies, ingredients, machineries and equipments used to produce food and beverages and its related products. Traditionally, we depend on local agriculture and fishing for food but has evolved and innovated over time through extensive labor and capital consumption and highly mechanized industrial processes.
This networking event is designed to gather potential partners in one venue – producers, manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, consumers – to meet and engage in productive business undertaking now or in the near future. We encourage the participation of your key executive/representative to this event. You may confirm through Charlene Jillian Chua (charlene.chua@<a href="http://philippinechamber.com/0968-8803755?fbclid=IwAR3TqTqfB_eG1h5CZyWW1S87fwkuLQ9cleJuVSzqoZULzCSytVG60W-aNRo" target="_self">philippinechamber.com/0968-8803755</a>) OR Agnes Pinili (agnes.pinili2@<a href="http://philippinechamber.com/09171102082?fbclid=IwAR2i7jTZSzmA6eIXbKjWqdfeeTXWtlxKcwwbK3SYiefMXc3HJXJtko4okEc" target="_self">philippinechamber.com/09171102082</a>)
Thank you and we look forward to your presence!

Industry B2B and Fellowship on real estate and construction

22nd BUSINESSMEN'S CUP GOLF TOURNAMENT

Business World

Business Mirror

The Manila Times

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Malaya Business Insight

Daily Tribune

The Philippine Star

Manila Bulletin

DZAR 1026

GMA Network

DZBB Super Radyo

ABS CBN

DZMM TeleRadyo

Cathayland

BA Securities Inc

Ease of doing business to reduce corruption in government topped the wish list of the business sector that they want President Marcos to commit in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) today, July 24.
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry President George T. Barcelon said that top of mind in the business sector’s wish list for the President’s SONA is the ease of dong business in government agencies and especially at the local government unit (LGU) level.
According to Barcelon, the Anti Red Tape Authority (ARTA) is doing its job, but it cannot do it alone. He said the bigger part lies on LGUs to further ease doing business. “It is best to impose a target for LGUs to achieve ease of doing business to facilitate investments into their locality,” said Barcelon.
LGUs, he said, should be able to facilitate investments for jobs creation. “It is good that the Department of Trade and Industry/Board of Investments has already created the Greenlane for Strategic Investments, but LGUs  should do more in facilitating these investments,” said Barcelon.
Since bureaucratic red tape is associated with corruption, Barcelon stressed the need to impose timelines in government processes and transactions. “President Marcos has been going out to promote investments and we are going again to Malaysia, but the LGUs should also be able to facilitate the inflow of these investments because this is a teamwork. We need more jobs for agriculture and fisheries,” he said.
“LGUs should think like PEZA to create more job opportunities in their localities,” he said adding he expects the LGUs to “improve the environment with clear regulation and a mentality  to be able to create more job opportunities.”
Digitalization would be able to help in easing cost of doing business because this limits face-to-face transactions in government agencies, he said. While there is this initiative, he urged the  implementation of a score card to ensure phased achievement.
He also cited the need for government to work on improving the cost of logistics because the Philippines has one of the highest in this sector. With the enforcement of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Cooperation (RCEP), Barcelon said local businesses would be at the losing end if logistics cost remains high.
Other issues the President should prioritize include education as the Philippines ranked among the lowest.
Edgardo Lacson, chairman of the  Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), also listed corruption as number one among the business sector’s wish list in the President’s SONA.
“Reduce corruption in government,” said Lacson.
Other priorities, he said, the government should address include the continuation of the Build Build Build program; keep inflation in check, modernize transport system(air, land water);
adequate, stable and affordable power and water supply; food security; reengineer education system; strengthen defense of territorial integrity; rationalize party list system and revert to traditional two party system; and prepare to adopt artificial intelligence technology in all facets of national, social, academic, and industrial/commercial  applications
Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr., president of the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc., urged the President for the urgent appeal of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) AO 04-2021 as this will add huge cost and extra processing time to import and export shipments.
Instead, he said, exporters strongly the government to continue to streamline processes and implement computerization towards ease of doing business and ensure whole of government approach to development.
“Rationalize importation of raw materials especially for export production and to stabilize prizes of prime commodities,” he said.  He also pushed for continued Build Build Build program.
Other issues in his list include review/update/strengthen skills mapping and upgrading to keep up with technology developments; implementing Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) in reviewing existing and new government processes; climate change interventions; and, address high cost of power, water, and telecommunications.
As president also of ECOP, Ortiz-Luis urged the President to stop efforts to legislate minimum wage.
For the legislative branch, ECOP is pushing for the passage of the amended Magna Carta for MSMEs;  Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Act; ASIN Law; PhilPorts Act to decouple the regulatory and developmental functions of the PPA; Revised Warehouse Receipts Act for movable collaterals; and, increase DTI budget, particularly for export promotion fund and shared services facilities.

Source: https://mb.com.ph/2023/7/23/ease-of-doing-business-tops-business-sector-s-wish-list-in-sona

Ease of doing business tops business sector’s wish list in SONA

The Philippine business community welcomed the appointment of Eli Remolona as the new Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), replacing Felipe Medalla, who is set to end his term in July.&nbsp;
PCCI welcomes appointment of Remolona as new BSP chiefThe Philippine business community welcomed the appointment of Eli Remolona as the new Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), replacing Felipe Medalla, who is set to end his term in July.&nbsp;
The Philippine business community welcomed the appointment of Eli Remolona as the new Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), replacing Felipe Medalla, who is set to end his term in July. The Philippine business community welcomed the appointment of Eli Remolona as the new Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), replacing Felipe Medalla, who is set to end his term in July.&nbsp;
President Ferdinand Marcos on Friday announced the appointment of Remolona to lead the Central Bank for another 5 years until the end of the President’s term in 2028.
George Barcelon, PCCI president said that Marcos made a good choice in picking Remolona, who has been a member of the monetary board since 2022.&nbsp;
“I am not personally acquainted with the new BSP Governor Eli Remolona. But his years of experience speak highly of his bank regulatory credentials,” Barcelon said, adding that the new BSP Governor is an expert in monetary policy.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Barcelon also lauded outgoing BSP chief BSP Medalla for doing an exemplary job leading the BSP amidst the pandemic and global uncertainty.&nbsp;
“Governor Medalla did a wonderful job during the critical period of uncertainty from pandemic and world's inflationary trend and we certainly commend him for that,” Barcelon said.&nbsp;
Barcelon hopes that Remolona will continue to ensure that BSPs monetary policy and financial regulations will remain supportive of the growth of the various sectors and Philippine economy as a whole. Donna B. Angulo

PCCI welcomes appointment of Remolona as new BSP chief

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) appealed to the government to extend the implementation of the tax cut until the end of the year as businesses have yet to take advantage of it and fully recover from the onslaught of COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;
PCCI appeals for tax perks extensionThe Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) appealed to the government to extend the implementation of the tax cut until the end of the year as businesses have yet to take advantage of it and fully recover from the onslaught of COVID-19 pandemic. nd Industry (PCCI) appealed to the government to extend the implementation of the tax cut until the end of the year as businesses have yet to take advantage of it and fully recover from the onslaught of COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;
PCCI President Gorge Barcelon said that majority of the enterprises in the last two years, at the height of the pandemic, were unable to fully enjoy the tax cut since most of them were in strict quarantine and could hardly do actual business.&nbsp;
The percentage tax and minimum income tax which will revert to their original tax rate effective July 1. Percentage tax currently at 1 percent will go back to 3 percent; minimum corporate income will go back to 2 percent from 1 percent, including non-profit educational institutions and hospitals will return to 10 percent income tax rate.
“I know there’s a deadline set but when you think about it during the last two years of the pandemic, companies have not really been able to take advantage of it. I hope that the government (Bureau of Internal Revenue) will consider extending it, hopefully within the end of the year so that we can start for the new year,” Barcelon said.&nbsp;
He added that over the last two years, most of the companies have had sales dropping, others were even unlucky to survive and some had extra expenses, for instance, providing transportation for workers to work.&nbsp;
“The feedback that I had been getting was that the one and a half years when the law became effective, it was not taken advantage of and those deductions have not been maximized,” Barcelon stressed.&nbsp;
The PCCI President also noted that in terms of lowering the Corporate Income Tax (CIT), the Philippines is still behind her neighbors in ASEAN. “This tax reduction is necessary for jus to be more attractive to foreign companies looking into the Philippines as their investment destination,” he added.&nbsp;
President Rodrigo R. Duterte in March 2021 signed Republic Act No. 11534 or Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) which lowered the CIT and modernized the country’s tax incentive. It reduced the CIT to 25 percent from 30 percent effective July 1, 2021 followed by a one-percentage-point cut annually from 2023 until it reaches 20% in 2027. For local small companies, an outright reduction to 20% was implemented. Donna B. Angulo

PCCI appeals for tax perks extension

MANILA  -The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) on Friday said it is backing the enactment of a proposed law that will condone some P57 billion in debt incurred by land reform beneficiaries, signaling strong support from the private sector for a measure that is currently awaiting approval by President Marcos.
“The New Agrarian Emancipation Act is expected to provide much-needed financial relief to the agricultural reform beneficiaries to allow farmers freed from debt to devote more resources to their land,” PCCI president George Barcelon, whose business association touts itself as the largest in the country, said in an online forum on Friday.
“Hopefully, the enactment of this measure will help in the development of farms, increase productivity and advance an agriculture-driven economy,” he added.
Barcelon also noted that the weakest link in Philippine socioeconomic development is agriculture, adding that it has continued to decline in terms of contribution to the country’s overall economic output which is now pegged at around 9 percent.
The PCCI official cited that the services sector has expanded significantly, contributing 61 percent, while the industry sector has a share of 30 percent.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector accounted for only 8.9 percent of the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022, the lowest in five years.
“Putting this into perspective, agriculture accounted for one-quarter of the country’s GDP during the 1980s and almost one-third in the 1970s. We were a net exporter of agricultural products in the 1980s but as of the 1990s, we have become net importers as exports fell behind, outpaced by imports,” Barcelon said, but noted that the sector still provides employment for 25 percent of the country’s labor force.
Barcelon pointed out that restrictions under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law have put farmers in grave states of indebtedness through the erosion of the value of their lands, limited access to credit and constrained the transfer of land to more productive uses, among others.
The Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, which is led by President Marcos as national chair, had recently cited the benefits of letting the chief executive continue to lead the Department of Agriculture.
“This is because the President knows what to do and apparently has the solutions needed to address problems in the agriculture sector,” South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Sucayan Tamayo Jr., who stands as the party president, said last week. INQ
Source: <a href="https://business.inquirer.net/406958/pcci-backs-land-reform-debt-write-off#ixzz85oxrW5YS" target="_self">https://business.inquirer.net/406958/pcci-backs-land-reform-debt-write-off</a>
By: <a href="https://business.inquirer.net/byline/alden-m-monzon" target="_self">Alden M. Monzon</a> - <a href="https://www.twitter.com/@inquirerdotnet" target="_self">@inquirerdotnet</a>
<a href="https://business.inquirer.net/source/philippine-daily-inquirer" target="_self">Philippine Daily Inquirer</a> / 02:03 AM June 24, 2023

PCCI backs land reform debt write off

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., who is also the Secretary of Agriculture, needs to address smuggling in order for trade to help bring down the price of farm goods, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said.
“(Mr. Marcos) should look at agriculture from the point of view of not just production but also from the trade aspect. It is supply and demand. If the production of farmers is only up to a certain level, but the demand is much bigger, we have to import,” PCCI President George T. Barcelon said in chance remarks in Makati City last week.
Mr. Barcelon said imports must be “properly done,” in a manner that does not open opportunities for smugglers. Smuggled produce, he said, contributes to the high prices of farm commodities.
“I hope (Mr. Marcos) deploys political will to make the agriculture sector really catch up,” Mr. Barcelon said.
Mr. Barcelon had been asked for his views after Mr. Marcos said he wants to solve the food crisis before stepping down as the Agriculture Secretary.
“I think the President knows the seriousness of it, that’s why he is taking the bull by the horns,” Mr. Barcelon said.
If imports are “properly done, the government can collect taxes; at the same time, the price of staple items will not be so high,” Mr. Barcelon said.
“Prices are (artificially high) … I think the President is cognizant of that and moving forward, I think that can be dealt with,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mr. Barcelon said the next Agriculture Secretary to be appointed should enjoy the President’s confidence.
He said the PCCI has a shortlist of potential candidates for the position, but gave out no names.
“What is important is you need to have somebody who has the trust of the President… You have to get somebody who will be able to share his or her thoughts to convince the President,” Mr. Barcelon said.
“The recommendations for the position may not be politically palatable to some sectors of our community. But if the President feels that this will bring about the betterment of the general population, so be it,” he added.
In May, the Philippine Statistics Authority announced that the value of Philippine agricultural production rose 2.1% to P428.69 billion in the first quarter. The farm sector typically accounts for about a 10th of the gross domestic product. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave
Source: https://www.bworldonline.com/economy/2023/06/25/530596/marcos-needs-to-fix-smuggling-to-unlock-benefits-of-trade-for-agriculture-pcci/

Marcos needs to fix smuggling to unlock benefits of trade for agriculture — PCCI

POLITICAL will is necessary to resolve the problems that have hampered the agriculture sector and ensure the availability of affordable food, according to Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) President George T. Barcelon.
“The issue on agriculture…a lot of actions kailangan may political will,” Barcelon told reporters on the sidelines of PCCI’s recent membership meeting.
Barcelon made the remark when he was asked if PCCI will endorse a secretary for Agriculture as the agency is concurrently headed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
He said PCCI has its own shortlist of potential Agriculture secretaries and hinted that some of those who landed on its shortlist are “stakeholders who are in the business who are major exporters.”
In the meantime, Barcelon said that as the current head of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Marcos should consider not only the production side of agriculture, but also the trade aspect.
“Kung wala naman talaga ‘yung magsasaka natin, ‘yung production nila hanggang doon lang. But the demand is much bigger so we may have to import,” he said.
“But imports must be properly done dahil alam natin maraming smuggling. Kung may smuggling wala naman nakokolektang buwis. Government [must address trade issues] so it can collect taxes and at the same time ensure that prices of staple items will not be so high,” he added.
As concurrent chief of the DA, Barcelon said the President can fast-track reforms, which would require political will to implement, to enable the country’s farm sector to become competitive.
He also said PCCI believes that the government has all the necessary tools to deal with the high prices of commodities.
Meanwhile, Barcelon said he had asked Sabin Aboitiz, who heads the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), to study the impact of logistics issues on food prices.
In particular, the PCCI chief said, “sabi ko ‘yung sa production natin limited na. Hanggang doon lang. Pero ‘yung logistics cost natin pwedeng i-areglo natin para it will go down, (kasi) ‘yung mga local government may sariling tax eh. Maraming mga binabayad [ang] mga players so everything goes up.”
Source: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2023/06/27/political-will-necessary-to-make-food-affordable-says-pccis-barcelon/

Political will necessary to make food affordable, says PCCI’s Barcelon

THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said the resiliency of the economy will depend on the degree to which the government allows the private sector to “collaborate” in its recovery agenda.
“For the whole country to prosper and achieve sustainability and competitiveness, it has to be a collaborative effort between concerned agencies and the private sector,” PCCI President George T. Barcelon said in a speech at a general membership meeting of the chamber in Makati City on Wednesday.
Mr. Barcelon said the National Government, local government units, and private sector need to achieve “full cooperation and proactive thinking” to bring about an economy “that is resilient and sustainable especially in this time that we are slowly but surely getting back on track,” Mr. Barcelon said.
PCCI Honorary Chair and Director for Membership Alegria Sibal-Limjoco said in a speech that such collaboration is required to better coordinate the implementation of economic reforms.
“As we are regaining momentum for public attention and interest from foreign partners, now is the best time for the National Government, local government units and the private sector to push and intensify new directions that are doable and will best serve the welfare of business, the working class and the general public,” Ms. Sibal-Limjoco said.
“We believe that a strong collaboration will yield positive results for the economy in terms of business performance, delivery of services, efficiency of workforce, resource management and adaptability to technology. All these outputs will greatly benefit local businesses including their foreign undertakings,” she added. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave
Source: https://www.bworldonline.com/economy/2023/06/21/530030/business-chamber-says-sustained-recovery-to-depend-on-extent-of-public-private-collaboration/

Business chamber says sustained recovery to depend on extent of public-private collaboration

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Closing on July 14, 2023.

THE ASEAN BUSINESS  AWARDS 2023

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (seated, center) inducted the board of directors and officers for 2022-2023 of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) at the International Trade Forum on June 15 at Shangri-La The Fort, Taguig City. With him are (from left) PCCI President George Barcelon; Labor and Employment Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma; Special Assistant of the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr.; Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual; Sen. Loren Legarda; PCCI Honorary Chairman and Treasurer/Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. President Sergio Ortiz Luis Jr.; (standing from left) PCCI Honorary Chairman/Adviser Ma. Alegria Sibal Limjoco; Director for Urban Housing Development Jeffrey Ng; Corporate Secretary Atty. Pablo Gancayco; Director Joseph Sy; VP Trade Promotion, Director for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Felino Palafox Jr.; VP for Industrial Affairs Ferdinand Ferrer; Director, SME Apolinario Aure; Chairman Emeritus and Director, International Affairs Francis Chua; Chairman William Co; VP Regional Affairs, Director, Chamber Management Enunina Mangio; Director Bernardo Benedicto 3rd; Area Vice President North Luzon, Director Gregoria Simbulan; Honorary Chairman/Director, Tourism, Retail and Franchise Samie Lim; Director, Legislation and Taxation Atty. Benedicta Du-Baladad; Area Vice President NCR/Director Teresita Ngan Tian; Area Vice President South Luzon/Director Sallie Lacson. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Source: <a href="https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/06/18/public-square/pbbm-inducts-pcci-2022-2023-officers-board-of-directors/1896571" target="_self">https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/06/18/public-square/pbbm-inducts-pcci-2022-2023-officers-board-of-directors/1896571</a>

PBBM inducts PCCI 2022-2023 officers, board of directors

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), is calling for stronger government and stakeholder support as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement came into force on June 2.
In a speech at the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) International Trade Forum, PCCI President George T. Barcelon stressed on the importance of being able to utilize and maximize the trade pact to realize its promises, which include an added 0.2 percent in its member’s GDP.
“Further opening market access for export commodities and skilled professionals will have beneficial effect across the economic sectors – from the agri-industry to manufacturing to the services,” Barcelon stated.
Barcelon emphasized that for benefits to materialize for agri-industry and manufacturing, “Governments of the RCEP member-countries must be able to work on reducing non-tariff barriers, or at least agree on a uniform quality standard for food and other manufactured products across the region.”
“For the Philippines, laboratories to test quality standards should be put up in areas that are readily accessible and available to local producers,” Barcelon added.
Recognizing that the lowering of tariffs could disadvantage the agriculture sector and local food manufacturers, Barcelon further urged the national government, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to include higher budget allocation for the production of high-value crops and the agri-food industry.
"DTI's important role in promoting our country as an investment  destination and export promotion must be supported with  more budget and resource," Barcelon also said.
While the RCEP commitments could open more opportunities for Filipinos to generate income, there is still much to be done to make full use of the trade agreement.
“In joining the RCEP, we have to work hard to maximize our gains from it.  We have to improve our competitiveness by streamlining regulatory compliance and ensuring that government business services are in step with these streamlined procedures.  Inputs to production such as transport, logistics and power must be lowered to a competitive level at par with our ASEAN neighbors.  Telecom and internet connectivity must be made available in all areas of the country,” Barcelon emphatically pointed out.
RCEP member-countries account for 30 percent of global gross domestic product and one-third of total inward foreign direct investment.  The trade pact, with its tariff reduction measures, simplification and harmonization of customs rules and procedures, as well as the preferential treatment on the practice of professions across the RCEP member-nations, has been much touted to sustain the country’s recovery and accelerate the its socio-economic growth.

PCCI calls for stronger support to maximize RCEP agreement

ABA 2023

49th PBC&E

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