The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII), led by president Victor Lim, raised serious concerns over the rising threat of global trade protectionism.
The group called for immediate and strong reforms to protect and strengthen the Philippine economy from global challenges.
After a recent meeting with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Aldeguer Roque, the FFCCCII thanked the government for supporting businesses.
However, the organization underscored the need for stronger actions to deal with rising tariffs and global trade conflicts that are affecting the economy.
Lim said the global trade environment has changed drastically and that the country should respond with urgency and innovation.
“The reckless tariff policies of major economies—particularly the U.S. and reactive counter measures by China—have shattered the World Trade Organization (WTO) rules order, leaving smaller nations like the Philippines exposed to severe economic disruptions,” Lim said.
“We must respond with urgency, innovation, and unwavering resolve to shield our Philippine industries from collapse.” he said.
He said the Philippines could no longer rely on outdated policies and must take bold steps to ensure local industries remain strong and competitive.
The FFCCCII urged the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Tariff Commission, and other related agencies to take bold steps to protect the economy, including emergency safeguard measures and anti-dumping duties for affected domestic manufacturing sectors hit by cheap and dumped imported products, aggressive export marketing and diversification, prioritizing ASEAN, Asian and RCEP markets to mitigate Western volatility, rapid industrial modernization, leveraging automation, R&D, and SME support to enhance competitiveness.
“The Philippines must adopt strategic, even unconventional, measures to ensure our economic sovereignty and continued growth.” Lim said.
While recognizing the passage of important laws like the CREATE More Law and the 99-Year Lease Law—both strongly supported by the FFCCCII—the federation said additional reforms are still necessary.
These include cutting bureaucratic red tape, creating new trade partnerships with developing countries, and working closely with the private sector to address inflation, unemployment, and poverty.
The FFCCCII reiterated its strong commitment to helping build a better and fairer economy for all Filipinos.
“True progress should benefit everyone—workers, farmers, and business owners,” said Lim.
To support this goal, the FFCCCII promised to encourage more investments in manufacturing, clean energy, technology, and farming. They also plan to help fight poverty by supporting education, healthcare, and job programs. In addition, they will expand their charity efforts to help strengthen government social services.
It also called upon government, business, labor, and civil society to treat the situation as a national economic emergency, demanding unprecedented collaboration and focus to secure the nation’s future.
The FFCCCII is a leading nationwide umbrella business organization of 170 diverse Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce committed to advancing economic growth, investment, and social development in the Philippines.
Under Lim’s leadership, it continues to champion policies that promote global competitiveness, equity and sustainable progress.
