PBBM urged to certify four priority reform bills as urgent

The country’s largest business organization, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), sees President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s announcement of four priority governance reform bills as a potentially transformative step toward a more stable, predictable, and transparent business environment.

In a statement on Friday, outgoing PCCI president Enunina Mangio commended the President for focusing on fundamental institutional reforms that align with the private sector’s long-standing advocacy for good governance and a level playing field.

Mangio said the four measures identified by Marcos — the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill, the Party-list System Reform Act, the Citizens Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (CADENA) Act, and the Independent People’s Commission Act — are seen as critical tools for strengthening democratic institutions and fostering an environment conducive to long-term investment and economic stability.

The PCCI leader said the group strongly and unequivocally supports the CADENA Act, stressing that transparency in public spending 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," 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 also strongly backs the Independent People’s Commission Act (IPCA), noting that independent oversight and credible citizen participation help strengthen democratic institutions and contribute to a stable policy and business environment.

Predictability and accountability, PCCI emphasized, are essential for sustained economic planning and industrial growth.

The chamber urged President Marcos to certify the four measures as urgent to ensure their timely deliberation and passage in Congress.

“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.

She added that PCCI views the four bills as a cohesive governance reform package that, once passed and effectively implemented, could significantly strengthen public institutions and improve the overall business and investment climate.