AmCham backs energy emergency, urges reforms

The business community is looking to the government’s newly declared energy emergency as a chance to fast-track long-pending reforms and secure more stable power supply, a key factor in sustaining investments and economic growth.

The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) said the declaration of a State of National Energy Emergency by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signals a timely response to mounting pressures in the country’s energy sector, where reliability and cost remain major concerns for businesses.

AmCham emphasized that dependable and affordable electricity is central to operational continuity, expansion plans, and the Philippines’ competitiveness as an investment destination.

Step in the right direction

It added, in a statement it issued, that the government’s coordinated, whole-of-government approach outlined in the executive order is a step in the right direction.

The group particularly cited measures aimed at improving bureaucratic efficiency, ensuring the smooth movement of essential goods and services, and enforcing compliance mechanisms. It stressed, however, that execution will be critical.

“We underscore the importance of implementing these measures in a transparent, predictable, and well-coordinated manner to minimize disruption while strengthening long-term energy security,” AmCham said.

Advancing broader policy changes

Beyond immediate interventions, the chamber pointed to the declaration as an opening to advance broader policy changes. These include revisiting the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, strengthening regulatory oversight, expanding renewable energy capacity, upgrading grid infrastructure, and increasing private sector participation.

AmCham said pushing these reforms forward in a coordinated manner would help build investor confidence and signal a stronger commitment to a more resilient and future-ready energy sector.