The Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI), the Voice of Industry, has released its legislative agenda for the 20th Congress, urging policymakers to advance reforms that will strengthen domestic manufacturing, reinforce fair trade practices, and drive the Philippines’ reindustrialization.
The recommendations emphasize the full implementation of key laws such as the Tatak Pinoy Act ( FPI has been running the Buy Pinoy Buy Lokal program for the past 20 years) and CREATE MORE, along with complementary measures to protect local producers, stimulate innovation, and ensure a competitive investment environment.
Key industry policy policies
-Implement the Tatak Pinoy Act effectively, with proper funding and the establishment of a multi-sectoral Tatak Pinoy Council to guide and monitor industrial development.
-Accelerate the rollout of CREATE MORE, ensuring timely and fair access to incentives for both domestic and export-oriented manufacturers.
-Enforce full compliance with Philippine National Standards (PNS) across all ports of entry and markets, ensuring that imported and local goods meet local safety and quality requirements.
-Advance a green industrial policy, promoting low-carbon manufacturing, clean technology production, and access to transition financing.
-Implement a Local Preference Procurement Law, mandating government procurement of locally manufactured, PNS-compliant products, especially in infrastructure, construction materials, and essential public goods.
Trade and enforcement reforms:
-Enact a Comprehensive Anti-Smuggling Law, including the creation of a Public-Private Task Force reporting to the President, port digitization, and enhanced customs profiling tools.
-Strengthen trade remedy mechanisms, allowing for faster and more effective implementation of safeguard, anti-dumping, and countervailing duties, including the use of provisional measures during investigations.
-Adopt a balanced and strategic tariff policy, including periodic reviews and pre-liberalization impact assessments for sensitive sectors.
-Institutionalize a Trade and Industry Defense System, providing real-time monitoring and response to import surges and unfair foreign competition.
-Establish an Independent Investment Ombudsman, tasked with resolving unjustified delays, harassment, and regulatory inconsistencies encountered by investors, while coordinating with relevant agencies such as DTI, FIRB, BOI, DOF, and LGUs.
-Implement e-Governance reforms, including full digital integration of trade facilitation, permitting, and regulatory processes across agencies to eliminate red tape, improve transparency, and deter corruption.
