The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) has lauded the recent enactment of two landmark reforms—the E-Governance Act (RA 12254) and the Amended Investor’s Lease Act (RA 12252)—as game changers that will enhance the country’s competitiveness and attract greater volumes of foreign direct investment (FDI).
The amendment to the Investor’s Lease Act extends allowable land leases for foreign investors from 50 years to 99 years, a move expected to encourage long-term commitments in sectors such as manufacturing, tourism, renewable energy, logistics, and IT-BPM. The measure provides multinational firms with the security and flexibility needed for capital-intensive projects with long gestation periods, lowering investment risks and strengthening the Philippines’ appeal as a regional hub.
Equally significant is the institutionalization of e-governance, which promises more efficient, transparent, and accessible public services while reducing red tape. This reform is expected to bolster the country’s fast-growing digital economy, valued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) at ₱2.25 trillion in 2024, a 7.7% increase from the previous year.
BCCP Executive Vice Chair Chris Nelson underscored that these reforms signal the administration’s proactive approach to legislation. “We have been a key advocate for this, we are an ARTA Champion and E-Governance will certainly assist that. These developments can be linked to further increasing the country’s digital trade that will encourage more investments in digital infrastructure, e-commerce, and other industries,” he said.
Nelson further highlighted the importance of passing the Cybersecurity Act to complement digital reforms and strengthen governance under the Konektadong Pinoy Act. These measures, he added, align with the Philippines’ efforts to diversify trade partnerships through initiatives such as the recently launched UK-Philippine Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) and its bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), of which the UK is a member.
During BCCP’s Midyear Briefing, DTI International Trade Group Undersecretary Allan Gepty emphasized that JETCO has already established four sectoral working groups and secured access to USD 6.3 billion in UK Export Finance for infrastructure, renewable energy, and digital projects. He added that CPTPP membership would further boost reforms in digital trade, labor, and environment—resulting in higher-quality jobs and fresh investment inflows.
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) also welcomed the measures, noting that the extended lease terms will give multinational investors in economic zones long-term stability and confidence. “This landmark policy provides foreign investors the long-term security and flexibility they need for capital-intensive projects… This will help lower entry barriers, reduce investment risk, and make the Philippines a more attractive hub for global business,” PEZA said in a statement.
With these reforms, the Philippines is positioning itself not only as an FDI-friendly destination but also as a leader in digital governance and investor security in the region.