ECCP at Work

JFC Meeting with Vice President Sara Duterte | 25 April 2024 | Photos 

The ECCP organized a meeting with Her Excellency Sara Zimmerman Duterte, Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines, on behalf of the Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) last 25 April 2024. The discussion covered the plans and priorities of the Office of the Vice President in improving the business climate in the Philippines. As the concurrent DepEd Secretary, Vice President Duterte also shared the administration’s advocacies and programs for education. Moreover, the group had the privilege to tackle areas of cooperation for education standards enhancement. Joining the Vice President at the meeting is Chief of Staff and DepEd Undersecretary Atty. Michael Poa.

EU-ASEAN Business Council Mission Trip in the Philippines in collaboration with ECCP | 06-09 May 2024 | Photos 

From 06 to 09 May 2024, the delegates of the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) convened for a series of meetings with key government officials for productive exchanges on policy directions, trade and investment opportunities, as well as areas for strengthened collaboration between the Philippine government and companies operating in the ASEAN region. The mission trip delegates composed of over 40 delegates from 30 companies, met with top officials of agencies including the Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Agriculture (DA), and Department of Health (DOH).

European-Philippine Business Dialogue and European Investors’ Night | 06 May 2024

The ECCP and the EU-ASEAN Business Council convened the 2024 European-Philippine Business Dialogue in Makati City on Monday. The event served as a platform for robust discussions on policy matters and strategic initiatives to enhance the country's competitive edge as an investment destination, especially for European businesses. The business dialogue featured messages and presentations from speakers H.E. Luc Véron of the EU Delegation to the Philippines; Hon. Alfredo E. Pascual, Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry; Hon. Ernesto V. Perez, Director General of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA); and Secretary Frederick Go, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs. It also featured esteemed panelists Department of Finance Assistant Secretary Dakila Elteen Napao, IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines President Jack Madrid, ECCP Director Dr. Diana Edralin, Du-Baladad & Associates Founder and CEO Atty. Benedicta Du-Baladad, as well as moderators EU-ASEAN Business Council Executive Director Chris Humphrey, Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation Chief Resilience Officer Mr. Bill Luz, and Foundation of Economic Freedom Trustee Mr. Christopher Ilagan.

Aviation Committee Workshop on Aircraft Maintenance | 14 May | Photos

As part of the preparations for the upcoming 2024 Aviation Summit, the ECCP Aviation Committee, together with the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA), organized the Aircraft Maintenance Workshop hosted by Lufthansa Technik Philippines (LTP) in Pasay City. At the session, presentations and exchanges on aircraft maintenance, airworthiness issuances, aircraft mechanic technical personnel training and management, and grey maintenance were covered.

Aviation Summit Press Conference and Signing of Memorandum of Understanding | 15 May | Photos  

On May 15, the ECCP and the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) jointly organized the 2024 Aviation Summit Press Conference. The conference brought together industry leaders and key partners of the Chamber to officially announce the launch of the 2024 installment of the Aviation Summit. Building on the success of the inaugural Summit held in 2023, this year's event aims to focus on aviation's pivotal role in Philippine economic progress and push for advocacies that foster sustainable development within the sector. Emphasizing the role of strategic partnerships, the ECCP and AsBAA had a ceremonial signing with representatives from the DOTr, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines.

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Committee Meeting with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines | 15 May | Photo

On 15 May, the ECCP Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Committee hosted a productive meeting with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, represented by Redi Allan Remoroza, AVP and Head of Transmission Planning. At the said gathering, the ECCP members received updates on NGCP’s current and upcoming initiatives relative to grid connectivity, transmission projects, as well as promotion of renewable energy. The participants also had an exchange on recommendations to improve and streamline processes in energy transmission projects, as well as to have a more regular dialogue between energy stakeholders.

Department of Finance Meeting with Stakeholders on their claims for VAT refund | 17 May | Photo

The ECCP was represented by its Tax and Financial Services Committee Vice Chairperson, Atty. Alden Labaguis, at the Department of Finance (DOF) Meeting with Stakeholders on their claims for VAT refund held on 17 May, at the DOF Office. The meeting brought together stakeholders and tax practitioners for a discussion on common issues, concerns, and recommendations on VAT refund claims.

ECCP Agriculture Committee Meeting | 21 May 2024 | Photo

The ECCP Agriculture Committee convened last 21 May 2024 via Zoom. During the meeting, the members had a discussion on the recent developments on the Committee Structure, specifically the implementation of the sub-committees on commodity pillars. The group also discussed and shared their insights on the Committee's pillar event, the 2024 Sustainable Agriculture Forum, happening on 26 September 2024. Together with high-level stakeholders, the Forum will feature sessions on crops, fishers and other related industries, and livestock and poultry. Finally, the members also had an exchange on the EU ECCP BAEP CRESCENT Project and other pertinent sector updates relevant to the committee’s advocacy priority areas and legislations.

JFC Meeting with Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual | 22 May 2024 | Photo 

The ECCP and its Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) partners, took part in a meeting with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual last 22 May 2024. The discussion covered the DTI’s Investment Promotion Plan and updates on several legislations including the Internet Transactions Act (ITA), the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE), and the Open Access in Data Transmission Bill. Moreover, the group tackled the resumption of the EU-PH FTA negotiations slated for the second half of the year.

During the meeting, ECCP President Paulo Duarte touched on the expanded coverage of Executive Order No. 12 (EO 12), which temporarily modified the rates of import duties on Electric Vehicles (EVs). Additionally, ECCP Executive Director Florian Gottein expressed enthusiasm in working with DTI down the line to maximize the potential of the Philippines’ critical raw materials. 

ECCP Customs & Logistics Committee Meeting | 23 May 2024 | Photo

The ECCP Customs & Logistics Committee convened last 23 May 2024 at the ECCP Office in Makati City. During the meeting, the members discussed the Advocacy Recommendations presented within the ECCP Advocacy Papers 2024. The committee also discussed notable developments within the sector including the recent EU-ASEAN Business Council and ECCP courtesy call with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) held last 8 May 2024.

6th State of the ARTA Address | 24 May 2024 | Photo

The ECCP, represented by Vice President Dr. Diana Edralin, graced the 6th State of the ARTA Address on 24 May 2024, as part of the agency’s month-long celebration of its 6th Anniversary. At the event, the Authority shared its accomplishments and plans, as well as launched The Philippine Global Competitiveness Dashboard.

The Joint Foreign Chambers Urge Senate to Approve Critical Airport Reforms | Document

The Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines released a media statement, calling for the approval of crucial legislative measures to improve the overall quality of airports in the Philippines. The said legislative measures are (1) the Civil Aviation Authority Act of the Philippines (CAAP) Law amendments, (2) the creation of the Philippine Airports Authority, and (3) the creation of the Philippine Transportation Safety Board.

ECCP Infrastructure Committee Meeting with DPWH | 29 May | Photos

On 29 May 2024, the ECCP Infrastructure Committee met with the Department of Public Works and Highways Bureau of Research Standards (DPWH BRS) at the BRS Office in Quezon City. At the meeting, the group discussed the updates and policy thrusts of the DPWH on sustainable and green infrastructure. Particularly, the participants tackled the use of blended cement in infrastructure projects. DPWH BRS Assistant Director Juliana Vergara took part in the meeting with other DPWH representatives Engr. Avilson Ong, Engr. Alberto De Guzman, Engr. Mariel De Leon, Engr. Joanna Pajarillo, Engr. Teodor Viyar Jr., Engr. Alejandro  Ilagan, and Engr. Mariz Tiglao.

Meanwhile, representing the ECCP is Infrastructure Committee Co-Chairperson Mr. Ramakrishna “Ram” Maganti. Joining him are Holcim Representatives Joy Aballe and Erween Pablo; Cement Manufacturers' Association of The Philippines (CEMAP) Executive Director Cirilo Pestaño; Republic Cement representatives PV Aquino and Eric Sampang; and ECCP Advocacy team members Chin Nethercott and Alyssa Marcos.

DOE Public Consultation on the Philippine Transport Vehicles Fuel Economy Labeling Program on Registration Procedures and Compliance Mechanism (VFELP-IG on RPCM) | 31 May | Photo

The ECCP took part in the Public Consultation of the Draft Implementing Guidelines of the Philippine Transport Vehicles Fuel Economy Labeling Program on Registration Procedures and Compliance Mechanism (VFELP-IG on RPCM). This initiative of the Department of Energy (DOE) took place last 31 May 2024 via Microsoft Teams. At the consultation, Director Patrick Aquino, CESO III of the Energy Utilization Management Bureau (EUMB) presented the draft implementing guidelines for stakeholders’ review and comments. These guidelines provide the procedures for the company registration and vehicle registration of vehicle manufacturers, importers, distributors, dealers and rebuilders. The registration procedures under the guidelines apply to all companies, including automobiles and motorcycle dealerships.