Konektadong Pinoy Policy Conference | 28 March | Photo
On 28 March, the ECCP attended the Konektadong Pinoy Policy Conference held at UP Diliman, which was co-organized by Better Internet PH, the Internet Society, and the Institute for Social Entrepreneurship in Asia, in partnership with the University of the Philippines (UP) Institute of Government and Law Reform (IGLR).

The conference highlighted the benefits of the bill to Filipino citizens, the data transmission and broadband industry, and the country's overall digital transformation while also providing stakeholders with a platform to address their issues and concerns.

Providing significant insights were key government officials including Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, and representatives from the Department of Communications and Information Technology (DICT), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), and Philippine Competition Commission (PCC). The ECCP was represented by Joaquin Reloj, Senior Advocacy Officer, and Bernard Advincula, Advocacy Research Associate.

Courtesy Call and Strategic Partnership Meeting between ECCP, DOTr, and CAAP | 26 March | Photo
The ECCP conducted a courtesy meeting and strategic dialogue with new Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Jim C. Sydiongco and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director General LTGEN Raul L. Del Rosario AFP (Ret). The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in the aviation sector, with particular emphasis on Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO), legislative and regulatory reforms, and upcoming industry initiatives.

ECCP highlighted its active role in aviation, including the initiatives of its Aviation Committee and the forthcoming 2025 Philippine Aviation Summit to be held on October 8–9, at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay co-organized with AsBAA.

Key legislative proposals were discussed during the courtesy meeting, including the topic on creating a more conducive business environment for the importation of aircraft and parts, the creation of the Philippine Airports Authority, the establishment of a Philippine Transportation Safety Board, and restructuring of CAAP. The ratification of international aviation agreements like the Cape Town Agreement, Montreal Protocol of 2014, and Beijing Protocol was encouraged to align the Philippine aviation framework with global standards. MRO development in the Philippines also emerged as a priority, with concerns raised about the lack of certified inspectors and the need for industry reorientation and expanded training.

Also in attendance were ECCP Executive Director Florian Gottein, Director Jussi Hoikka, Aviation Committee Co-Chairperson Atty. Manolito Manalo, Director for Advocacy and Government Affairs Atty. Kathyrin Pioquinto, and Industry and Government Affairs Manager Chin Nethercott. AsBAA Board of Governors Member Max Motschmann and COO for Southeast Asia Penny Lim also joined the discussion.

ECCP Environment & Water Committee Meeting | 26 March | Photo
On March 26, the Environment & Water Committee, led by Atty. Deegee Uy-Anastacio and Atty. Kaye Celera, held its first committee meeting for 2025 at the Nestlé Office in Makati City.

The meeting provided a platform for meaningful discussions on the committee’s past engagements with key stakeholders, including government agencies. Members emphasized the crucial role of regular water analysis, transparency, and policy recommendations in effective waste management. The members also underscored the importance of fostering collaborative dialogue to drive impactful environmental initiatives.

To join or inquire about the Environment & Water Committee, please reach out to advocacy@eccp.com.

Meeting with Expertise France on the Digital Economy Package in the Philippines | 26 March | Photo

The ECCP met with representatives from Expertise France to discuss the EU Digital Economy Package in the Philippines last 26 March, at the ECCP Office in Makati City. The meeting explored possible avenues for collaboration on deepening and expanding the use-case of the Copernicus National Capacity Support Action Programme for the Philippines (CopPhil).

The Digital Economy Package aims to provide the Philippines with secure and reliable high-speed and real-time Copernicus data access and facilitate an exchange among relevant Philippines entities and users. This programme will be implemented with Team Europe Partners, namely Finland (HAUS), France (Expertise France), Climate KIC, and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT).

Present at the meeting were Digital and Space Project Manager Alice Guibert and Space Expert Philippe Lattes from the Sustainable and Inclusive Economy Department of Expertise France. The ECCP was represented by Florian Gottein, Executive Director; Gerry Constantino, Director of Projects; Atty. Kathyrin Pioquinto, Director for Advocacy & Government Affairs; Joaquin Reloj, Senior Advocacy Officer; and Bernard Advincula, Advocacy Research Associate.

Aviation Summit Workshop in Clark | 13 March 2025 | Photo
The Aviation Summit Workshop in Clark, the first in a series of pre-event workshops leading to the 2025 Philippine Aviation Summit, was spearheaded by Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) on 12 March 2025, in collaboration with the ECCP.

Clark International Airport (CRK) operator Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp. (LIPAD Corp.) provided a comprehensive airport briefing and facility tour. Following the briefings, a specialized Aircraft Maintenance Workshop was hosted by Metrojet. The event concluded with networking cocktails, allowing attendees to foster industry partnerships and explore new business opportunities within Clark’s rapidly expanding aviation ecosystem.

The workshop in Clark serves as a prelude to the 3rd installment of the Summit happening on 8-9 October 2025, at the Grand Ballroom, Marriott Hotel Manila.

Meeting with the EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) Monitoring Mission to the Philippines | 6 March | Photo
The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) met with the European Union (EU) Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) Monitoring Mission to the the Philippines on 6 March 2025 at the Delegation of the EU to the Philippines, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.

The meeting covered focused updates on the Philippines' implementation of the 27 international conventions on human and labour rights, environment, and good governance linked to GSP+, including human rights in business.

Members of the GSP+ Monitoring Mission included Mr. Jörg Wojahn, European Commission Head of Unit for Trade and Sustainable Development; Mr. Mikkel Sejberg, European Commission Directorate General for Trade; Ms. Alessandra Forzano, European Commission Directorate General for Trade; Mr. Tobias Michels, European Commission Directorate General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion; and Ms. Agata Nowicka, European External Action Service. Mr. Philipp Dupuis and Ms. Therese Yosuico, from the Economic and Trade Section of the EU Delegation to the Philippines, also attended the meeting.

The ECCP was represented by Mr. Florian Gottein, Executive Director; Roman Menz, ECCP Vice President and CEO of Republic Cement; Mr. Albert Perez, ECCP Board Member and CEO of Alex Morgan Pte. Ltd.; Atty. Anthony Abad, ECCP FTA Committee Chairperson and CEO of TradeAdvisors; Atty. Benedicta Du-Baladad, ECCP Tax and Financial Services Co-Chairperson and Founding Partner and CEO of BDB Law; Ms. Helen Grace Baisa, ECCP Food and Beverages Committee Chairperson and President of Charmant Ingredients Corporation; Atty. Kathyrin Pioquinto, Director for Advocacy and Government Affairs; Mr. Joaquin Reloj, Senior Advocacy Officer; and Ms. Kyla Uy, Advocacy Officer.

ECCP Luncheon Meeting with ARTA | 5 March 2025
On 5 March, the ECCP held its first luncheon meeting of the year with Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Director General Ernesto Perez. The event gathered key stakeholders from the public and private sectors to discuss groundbreaking reforms that will enhance the ease of doing business, foster innovation, and drive economic growth. The event also served as a platform for engaging discussions on streamlining regulations, the role of digitalization, and how public-private collaboration can lead to a more efficient and investor-friendly business environment.