The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) asked the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to implement procedural and policy reforms to address systemic corruption and government abuse.
PCCI president Ferdinand Ferrer said in an interview that corrective measures should be institutionalized to prevent the large-scale misuse of public funds from recurring.
Ferrer said while accountability steps are underway, long-term solutions should extend beyond the prosecution and jailing of offenders.
He said corruption indirectly disrupts business operations by affecting worker morale and productivity. These systemic issues ultimately hamper overall enterprise operations despite efforts by the private sector to remain resilient, he said.
Ferrer estimated that billions of pesos lost to corruption could have instead funded critical digital connectivity and infrastructure projects. Such investments are necessary to strengthen the position of the Philippines as a top destination for foreign investment.
Digitalization remains a primary focus for the chamber to improve the ease of doing business and promote transparency.
Ferrer said digital tools reduce human intervention and align government processes with international best practices.
While starting a business in the country is relatively easy, he noted that sustaining operations remains difficult due to inconsistent regulations. However, he expressed hope as various government agencies push for the simplification of these processes.
The new PCCI leader noted that 97 percent of businesses in the country are micro, small and medium enterprises that still lack reliable internet access.
Improving the economic standing of these smaller businesses through efficient e-commerce and digital integration would lead to broader national improvement, he said.
Cybersecurity also remains a major shared concern for both the government and the private sector to ensure these enterprises can operate safely, he said.
