In a rare show of unity, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Philippine Exporters Confederation (Philexport), and the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) jointly endorsed House Bill 6740 on December 10.

The measure, authored by TUCP Party-list Representative and House Deputy Speaker Raymond Mendoza, seeks to exempt electricity sales from VAT.

Rather than viewing the proposed VAT exemption as a revenue loss, the groups argued it should be treated as a strategic investment that would generate returns through higher economic activity, increased business confidence, and a broader tax base over time.

In a news release, they said electricity is a basic and indispensable input for households and businesses alike, noting that removing VAT would provide immediate relief to consumers while lowering operating costs for enterprises.

“A VAT exemption on electricity will provide direct and immediate relief to the Filipino people. Removing this burden shows our faith that Filipinos can achieve their highest potential if we stop weighing them down with excessive taxation on our already expensive power,” Mendoza said.

“This is not only an economic measure; it is a social protection that safeguards workers and families. The benefits of cheaper power for both small entrepreneurs and major industries to grow, attract more investments, and generate decent employment for our people do not merely offset but far outweigh the cost to the Government,” he added.

Business groups stressed that high electricity prices continue to undermine the Philippines’ attractiveness as an investment destination, particularly for manufacturing and other energy-intensive industries.

“If we want to attract investors and grow our industrial base, we must address power costs head-on,” said PCCI President Enunina Mangio. “Removing VAT on electricity is a concrete step toward making the Philippines more competitive.”

Lower power costs, the groups said, would also help protect existing jobs while enabling companies to expand and hire more workers.

“With more affordable power, industries can scale up operations, while micro, small, and medium enterprises can better manage rising expenses and sustain employment,” said George Barcelon, PCCI Chairman and Director of the Energy Committee.

The groups pointed out that the Philippines is competing regionally for a new wave of investments, particularly in energy-intensive sectors such as data centers, advanced manufacturing, and digital infrastructure.

PCCI Chairman for Energy and Power David Chua said: “We are in a global race for high-value, energy-intensive investments. Lowering electricity costs through a VAT exemption signals that our country is serious about attracting industries that create quality jobs.”

TUCP Vice President Luis Corral welcomed the unified position of employers and labor, saying it marked a shift away from short-term relief measures toward more structural solutions.

“The endorsement by business groups and the TUCP to exempt electricity sales from VAT is heartening. Finally, employers and labor have unanimously agreed that this is the measure that will free up workers and consumers from the burden of VAT and at the same time, trigger the creation of more and quality jobs for Filipino workers with prospects for better livelihoods. This is the better approach than the age-old palliatives and ayuda,” Corral said.

The event marks a significant follow-up to the Philippines’ recent move to open its market to Argentine meat products—a policy shift expected to boost supply diversity for Filipino consumers while strengthening Argentina’s export footprint in Southeast Asia.

Speaking at the opening, Argentine Ambassador Ricardo Bocalandro said the two countries share goals of advancing food security and trade. He thanked the PCCI, the Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. (PAMPI), and the Meat Importers and Traders Association (MITA) for facilitating dialogue between stakeholders from both sides.

The ambassador said this event showcases the dynamic potential of both countries’ private sectors to work together in fulfilling growing demand while ensuring high sanitary standards.

PCCI President Consul Eunina Mangio called the partnership “strategic,” citing the importance of long-term collaboration in agriculture and livestock.

With the Philippines looking to stabilize meat supply and Argentina expanding its global trade links, the timing of the trade mission is seen as crucial. One-on-one meetings throughout the day provided Argentine exporters direct access to major Filipino buyers and distributors.

Argentina’s pork sector has seen rapid growth, supported by a clean bill of health from global veterinary authorities. The country produced 800,000 metric tons of pork in 2024 and expects a 5% rise in 2025, with targets to double output by 2032. It is currently free from Classical and African Swine Fever, a major selling point for Asian importers.

Meanwhile, the Argentine poultry industry—represented by CEPA—has expanded aggressively, reaching 64 global markets, including Vietnam, South Africa, and the UAE. National per capita production now stands at over 21 chickens annually, and the Philippines is expected to become a key new destination for Argentine poultry.

To celebrate the day’s success, the Argentine Embassy, together with Argentina’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Argentine Investment and International Trade Agency, hosted a luncheon at Enderun Colleges.

Over 150 guests, including government officials, diplomats, and business leaders, enjoyed a cultural showcase of Argentine cuisine, wine, and tango.

Dr. Christian Daquigan of the Bureau of Animal Industry and DA Undersecretary Dante Palabrica both reiterated the Philippine government’s commitment to mutually beneficial agricultural partnerships.

The day concluded with continued matchmaking sessions at PCCI headquarters, cementing what organizers hope will be a sustained and fruitful trade relationship.

The Aidilfitri Open House, held on March 31, 2025, at the Ambassador’s residence, began with the Eid prayer, followed by a speech from H.E. Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino.

In his address, the Ambassador emphasized the significance of unity and inclusivity, reflecting on Malaysia’s diverse heritage: “Hari Raya is a reminder of the strength of unity that is deeply embedded in our Malaysian identity. Regardless of whether we are Malay, Chinese, Indian, or from any other background, we come together as one big family to celebrate, just as we do in Malaysia. This unity is what makes us strong, both at home and abroad.”

He encouraged Malaysian entrepreneurs to seize business opportunities to strengthen economic ties between Malaysia and the Philippines. He also urged young Malaysians to be proactive in shaping the future of their country and the region, and called on all Malaysians in the Philippines to serve as ambassadors to help foster goodwill between the two nations.

The Ambassador also expressed gratitude to the Filipino people for their warm hospitality, particularly for always extending a welcoming hand to Malaysians.

Among the Filipino dignitaries in attendance were Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez, ASEAN Ladies Foundation Chairperson Mme. Pamela Louise Hunt-Manalo, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Enunina V. Mangio, and Greggy and Irene Araneta.

Guests were treated to a sumptuous array of Malaysian dishes, including satay, nasi impit, ketupat, kuah kacang, lemang, and karipap, all lovingly prepared by the Embassy’s officers, their spouses, and Chef Ammar Syafiq bin Ayob.