ECCP at Work

ECCP, together with the Joint Foreign Chamber, met with Sen. Gatchalian and several members of the Senate Economic Affairs Committee to discuss a number of pressing items: 

• Foreign Investment Negative List
• Amendments to the Economic Provisions of the Constitution
• 2 resolutions in the Senate, 1 resolution in HoR
• Public Service Act Amendments
• Retail Trade Liberalization Act Amendments
• PCAB licensing

ECCP mentioned that House Economic Affairs Committee Chair Rep. Arthur Yap filed / proposed House resolution No. 898 last 16 March, strongly urging the appropriate committee to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the desired economic policy direction of the Philippines with regard to foreign participation in the ownership and operation of corporations and firms engaged in the business of construction of buildings and other infrastructure in the Philippines. As of meeting time, the Committee Secretary of the House Economic Affairs asked business groups to comment on the resolution submitted by Cong. Arthur Yap. 

Moreover, the ECCP also shared its efforts over the past years:

• ECCP was able to meet with PCAB Chair Dakay in 2015 to discuss such concerns. ECCP brought this forward to other relevant government agency heads as well such as the Philippine Competition Commission Chair Balisacan and the former DTI Secretary Domingo through various letters, position papers, and even meetings.
• Earlier this year, the Philippine Competition Commission (PhCC) issued a policy note regarding the anti-competitive effects of regulatory restrictions in the construction sector.
• The PCAB issue was also tabled in the agenda of the JFC meeting with DTI Sec. Lopez last 2 February. DTI Usec. Ruth Castelo, in charge of CIAP, was there. ECCP then approached a week after to discuss the aforementioned matter, but she was not receptive of our position--- citing that foreign players are given enough opportunities to undertake projects, and that there is currently absorptive capacity by local players in the country.