The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is accelerating the rollout of digital permits, visa processing, and customs integration, translating the Marcos administration’s “Big Bold Reforms” agenda into concrete, on-the-ground improvements for investors.
Following the Big Bold Reforms: The Philippines 2026 forum—where the economic team unveiled priority measures such as restoring funding for the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) Program, granting 14-day visa-free entry for Chinese tourists, digitalizing Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) audits, and establishing a single customs platform—PEZA said it is moving swiftly to operationalize reforms within ecozones.
PEZA Director General Tereso Panga said the agency will roll out this month the Export Documentation module under the Permit Management System (PMS) of the PEZA One Portal System (PTOPS). The module will initially cover the Matrix of Exportables and Export Declarations, streamlining export clearances for registered enterprises.
PEZA plans to expand the PMS module within the firs half of the year to include the Ecozone Transfer System, bundled with electronic Letters of Authority (e-LOA). The system will enable seamless electronic permitting and monitoring in coordination with the Bureau of Customs, cutting processing time and manual intervention.
Visa reforms are also moving fast. Within the first quarter, PEZA will launch the PEZA Visa Online System in partnership with the Bureau of Immigration. The platform aims to make visa issuance for foreign nationals and their dependents faster, more predictable, and more investor-friendly—an area long flagged by locators as a pain point.
Beyond digital systems, Panga said PEZA is strengthening coordination with the BIR to establish a dedicated Registered Business Enterprise taxpayer service, and with the Board of Investments on implementing the CARS and Revitalizing the Automotive Industry for Competitiveness Enhancement (RACE) programs.
“These big, bold reforms are high-impact and game-changing,” Panga said, adding that PEZA is treating them as operational imperatives rather than policy statements, as it works to boost the Philippines’ competitiveness as a regional investment hub.
