The Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and the Talisay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) said several of the President's key pronouncements could have a direct positive impact on the business sector and help advance the country's economic agenda.
They emphasized, however, that these commitments must be backed by concrete action and effective implementation.
“Plans are important, but what the economy needs now is execution. We hope to see sustained focus on economic priorities, with policies that move the country forward and deliver measurable results beyond statements and promises,” said TCCI president Carl Cabusas.
Cabusas said the SONA outlined several positive directions, but these must now be translated into concrete policies and backed by decisive implementation.
Sustained focus
“As we enter the final two years of this administration, the business community is looking for clear, consistent action that strengthens the economy, restores investor confidence, and creates an environment where businesses can grow. Plans are important, but what the economy needs now is execution,” he said.
“We hope to see sustained focus on economic priorities, with policies that move the country forward and deliver measurable results beyond statements and promises.”
The TCCI, composed of more than 100 members representing a diverse range of industries, is a business organization advocating for the growth and competitiveness of enterprises in Talisay City, a major commercial hub in southern Cebu and a gateway to Cebu City.
Tangible results
The MCCI, for its part, said the visions and aspirations outlined in the President's SONA must now be translated into concrete action to reassure Filipinos that the government recognizes their everyday challenges, including the rising cost of living, job insecurity, corruption and limited access to quality public services.
The MCCI is one of the oldest and most influential business organizations in the Visayas with more than 500 member companies, ranging from micro and small enterprises to some of the country's largest corporations.
“Economic growth must translate into better lives for ordinary families and good governance remains non-negotiable,” the MCCI said.
“In essence, the second-to-the-last SONA should not simply report accomplishments. It should be a renewed covenant with the Filipino people: a commitment to finish strong, govern with integrity, and leave a legacy that future generations can genuinely benefit from,” it said.
The MCCI also expressed hope that Congress would act on the President's proposals, including tax relief for microentrepreneurs, broader income tax exemptions for the middle class, the removal of corporate income taxes on small businesses, the removal of tariffs on electric vehicles, and the elimination of system loss charges passed on to consumers.
It also pointed out that President Marcos failed to mention any plan to improve the tourism sector which was one of Cebu’s main economic drivers.
“Be that as it may, these last two years should be an opportunity to restore public confidence by demonstrating decisive leadership, accountability, and a clear roadmap for the country's future beyond the current administration,” the MCCI said.
Power sufficiency
The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) said they welcomed the emphasis on strengthening governance, economic competitiveness, energy security and resilience.
The President's priority energy projects recognize that a stable, reliable and affordable power supply is critical to driving economic growth.
These include the tracking of nearly 10,000 megawatts (MW) from 200 power projects through 2028, the development of more than 1,700 MW of energy storage capacity, the extension of the Malampaya gas project's operations, and the promotion of renewable energy, hydrogen development and the possible expansion of nuclear power.
For Cebu and the Visayas, the CCCI said ensuring sufficient and competitively priced electricity remains critical to sustaining manufacturing, tourism, information technology and other key industries.
The CCCI also said the proposed Sariling Kuryente Act, which aims to encourage the adoption of rooftop solar and battery storage systems by households, presents an opportunity to strengthen energy resilience and support broader participation in the country's transition to a more diversified energy mix.
Tax relief
The CCCI also said the plan to provide tax relief for the middle class and ease compliance burdens on businesses, including the Bureau of Internal Revenue's (BIR) one-time tax abatement program for microentrepreneurs, could help improve cash flow, encourage business formalization, and allow enterprises to focus more resources on expansion and job creation.
"The continued push for trade expansion, including the country's existing and upcoming free trade agreements, provides opportunities for Philippine businesses to access more markets and integrate further into regional and global supply chains," the CCCI said.
The CCCI, the largest business organization in Cebu with more than 900 member companies, also welcomed the administration's focus on preparing the workforce for artificial intelligence, saying the plan to train 1.8 million Filipinos for AI readiness reflects the growing importance of digital skills in maintaining the country's competitiveness. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
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