The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines awaits the signing of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act into law, to which it has consistently supported and is reported to take place on September 26, 2025, as noted by Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero. The bill is one of the key advocacies of the Chamber and significantly aligns with its initiatives to address food security and inflationary pressures in the country.
The measure aims to provide stringent measures against cartel, profiteers, hoarders, and smugglers to protect the local agricultural sector, also citing the impacts from El Niño and the African Swine Fever (ASF) which affected the local consumers. BCCP Executive Director/Trustee Chris Nelson noted that its passage, “will certainly protect both the local producers and legitimate importers. We understand that it is now also close to signature and that would be a great benefit not just to the hog industry but the agriculture industry as a whole.”
The Philippines being the 2nd largest UK pork exporter in Asia next to China, continues to assist in terms of food supply and easing inflation. The British Chamber has actively worked with the UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and hosted the Philippine-British Meat Trade Briefing & Reception on 30 July 2024.
During the event, Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Deogracias Victor “DV” Savellano delivered a keynote message on behalf of DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stating that, “By strengthening the trade relations with the UK, we can enhance the quality and variety of meat products available to the Filipino consumers. This in turn supports our local farmers and producers by integrating them into a broader, more dynamic market. Moreover, the exchange of knowledge and the best practices between our nations can lead to the innovation of improved agricultural processes and outcomes. This is a testament of our shared commitment to achieving food security and economic stability.”
The British Chamber has also supported the extension of lowered tariffs for pork and other agricultural commodities under Executive Order No. 62 as part of the whole-of-government approach to manage food inflation and security, policy stability, and investment planning towards the drive to achieve sustainable economic growth.