We are often asked why the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) is involved in advocacies like infrastructure, energy and water, VAT refunds or excessive regulations.
Here are some answers:

Our members need a ‘level the playing field’:
a. Integrity / ethics – we have made progress in the last few years but much more needs to be done; we started with the private sector, then engaged the national government and have now expanded to LGUs (including a province, a city and municipalities in Mindanao) and civil society (also engaging the Catholic Church);

b. Fair Competition – having the Office of Competition under the Dept. of Justice was a good step forward but legislation is needed to establish an independent Fair Competition Commission; we are delighted that both Houses of Congress approved the Philippine Competition Act a few weeks ago and we are now waiting for the President to sign it;

c. Opening the economic provisions of the Constitution and remove the limitations for foreigners – the debate is ongoing and is supported by local business organizations like the Makati Business Club and the Management Association of the Philippines; it is widely understood that such a move would create more competition which will result in better products and services at a better price for Juan de la Cruz;

Business costs - costs must be kept in check to increase investments, both domestic and foreign. This means restraining the granting of paid holidays and leave benefits, lowering electricity costs through effective ‘open access’ and energy efficiency, more efficient transport with focus on sea- and airports, roads and rail. Also, less red tape is needed which could be achieved by the creation of e-government which should be a major task of the Dept. of ICT (DICT) which will hopefully be formed this year;

Energy Supply Security at competitive costs - economic growth will not be sustainable if the energy sector is not getting its act together. Investors will only locate here if the power supply is secure and the electricity rates are competitive. As they are not presently, we are in deep discussions with government to maintain fiscal investment incentives, tax holidays and lower corporate taxation. Energy Efficiency, coupled with renewable energy, is high on our agenda; we added water conservation, water treatment, water distribution and general water policies. Waste management is part of this advocacy;

We will continue to drive sustainable consumption and production in cooperation with the industry sectors that need to implement the strategies. DOST and DTI are our partners in this effort;

If you feel that ECCP is an interesting business organization to partner with, we invite you to join us and become part of the work we are doing, driven by our battle cry:
Stop complaining, be part of the solution!!!
For more information, visit www.eccp.com or contact ECCP’s Davao Office: (082) 273-3801 or email at frances.garcia@eccp.com. 

Source: Edge Davao