The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) of the Philippines has expressed support for the prioritization of the proposed Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (CADENA) Act.
The measure seeks to create a digital portal giving the public full access to government budgeting, procurement, execution, and fund management.
AmCham Philippines Arangkada project director Steve Winkates said prioritizing the bill signals the government’s seriousness about transparency. He said greater access to budget information helps strengthen trust and investor confidence.
The chamber noted that transparency reforms can unlock economic opportunities and attract more investment. It has long pushed for measures promoting accountability, including a Freedom of Information law and ease of doing business reforms.
It also supports amending the Bank Secrecy Act to boost financial transparency and strengthening oversight of public institutions. These initiatives, the chamber said, are essential to building a predictable business environment.
AmCham added that it remains committed to working with the government, business sector, and civil society to advance good governance and promote public-private dialogue.
