The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has welcomed the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) move to lift the suspension on tax enforcement activities and roll out a modernized audit framework, calling the reforms a major step toward a more transparent, predictable, and fair tax system.
Business groups are calling for tougher governance, faster digital reforms, and sustained infrastructure spending as the Philippines looks to reboot growth in 2026 after the economy slowed to 3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Business groups welcomed the signing of the Philippines–United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), calling it a strategic milestone that broadens trade reach, strengthens investment flows, and opens new pathways for exporters and small businesses.
The newly installed head of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is placing digitalization at the core of his agenda, arguing that stronger connectivity and smarter systems could unlock growth for millions of small businesses—and improve the country’s overall investment appeal.
Ferdinand “Perry” Ferrer, chairman and chief executive officer of EMS Group of Companies, has been named the incoming president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), succeeding Enunina Mangio.
Live broadcasts within the Senate building showed commotion within the second floor, with gun shots heard and uniformed personnel armed with long fire arms and clad in bulletproof vests trying to secure the area. It remains unclear what happened, with security personnel refusing to reply to media queries.
The Department of Agriculture (Philippines) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources have signed new agreements with Papua New Guinea and the Marshall Islands to strengthen cooperation in the fisheries sector.
The Philippines showcased significant progress in legal and regulatory reforms during the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) Steering Committee meeting on May 12, highlighting efforts to create a transparent, competitive, and investment-friendly business environment.