Press Releases

MAKATI CITY, Philippines — The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) welcomes President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address and its call to move the country from crisis response toward lasting security and self-sufficiency.

Delivered amid the effects of the conflict in the Middle East, the State of National Energy Emergency, and the recent earthquakes in the Visayas and Mindanao, the address set out a broad agenda covering accountability in public spending, energy security, infrastructure, healthcare, education and digital skills, and deeper regional cooperation during the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship.

For the European-Philippine business community, the encouraging signal is that many of these commitments are moving from announcement to implementation. The Chamber looks forward to working alongside the government as this work continues during the remaining years of the administration.

ECCP also welcomes the President’s emphasis on accountability in public spending and the recovery and protection of public funds. Transparent procurement, credible enforcement, and effective oversight are essential to ensuring that infrastructure budgets reach the projects and communities they are intended to serve.

ECCP President Dr. Diana Edralin said: “The President set out a clear direction: a Philippines that is more secure, more self-sufficient, and better prepared for shocks beyond its control. European businesses share that goal and are ready to contribute capital, technology, and expertise. What will make the difference over the next two years is steady implementation, predictable rules, and continued consultation between the government and the private sector.”


Energy security and affordability

The Chamber welcomes the President’s call for the passage of the “Sariling Kuryente” Act, which would make the installation of household solar panels and battery storage systems simpler and more affordable.

ECCP likewise notes the removal of tariffs on electric vehicles until 2028, the goal of having electric vehicles account for half of the country’s vehicle fleet by 2040, and the government’s directive to prioritise electric vehicles in its refleeting plans. These measures can also create opportunities across the domestic electric-vehicle value chain, including vehicle assembly and the manufacturing of batteries, components, and spare parts.

The Chamber notes the President’s report that 200 power projects, with a combined capacity of close to 10,000 megawatts, are being monitored for completion through 2028. These are complemented by more than 1,700 megawatts of energy-storage capacity.

ECCP also recognises the resumption of drilling at Malampaya following the extension of its service contract, as well as the award of new petroleum and hydrogen service contracts. The Chamber welcomes the President’s openness to revisiting nuclear energy and supports a transparent, science-based public discussion on its safety, cost, regulatory requirements, and potential role in the country’s long-term energy mix.

European companies bring extensive experience in grid modernisation, energy storage, offshore wind, hydrogen, renewable energy, and nuclear safety regulation, and would welcome opportunities to contribute to the Philippines’ energy transition.

Alongside these investments, ECCP looks forward to continued dialogue on modernising the Electric Power Industry Reform Act and addressing the treatment of systems loss charges. The objective should be to ensure that consumers and industries experience the benefits of additional generating capacity through a more competitive, reliable, transparent, and affordable electricity market.

Infrastructure, trade facilitation, and ease of doing business

ECCP welcomes the reported progress on mass transit, including the planned opening of 12 MRT-7 stations next year, the commencement of North-South Commuter Railway operations between Valenzuela and Malolos, and efforts to complete the railway extension to Clark before the end of the administration.

The Chamber particularly notes the enactment of the Accelerated and Reformed Right-of-Way Act, which can help address long-standing right-of-way constraints affecting major infrastructure and mass-transit projects.

ECCP also welcomes the President’s report that more than PHP 6 trillion in investments have been facilitated through the Green Lanes over the past three years, with these investments expected to generate more than 400,000 jobs.

The President further noted that the Philippines now has 23 free trade agreements either in force or under active negotiation, alongside the planned Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates.

This momentum provides a constructive backdrop to the EU-Philippines Free Trade Agreement negotiations, which ECCP continues to strongly support. The agreement remains under negotiation and represents an important opportunity to improve market access, expand trade and investment, and deepen economic relations between the Philippines and the European Union.

Building on the President’s emphasis on trade facilitation, digital transformation, and ease of doing business, ECCP looks forward to working with the Anti-Red Tape Authority, the Bureau of Customs, and relevant line agencies to fully operationalise the National Single Window.

Consistent implementation of ease-of-doing-business reforms across national agencies and local government units will be essential to reducing administrative friction, improving supply-chain efficiency, and strengthening investor confidence.

Healthcare, human capital, and technology

The Chamber welcomes the expansion of PhilHealth’s YAKAP and GAMOT programmes, Zero-Balance Billing in Department of Health hospital wards, and the digitalisation of medical assistance through e-MAIFIP on the eGovPH platform.

ECCP also welcomes the planned inclusion of additional blood tests and medicines to support the early detection and management of kidney, liver, thyroid, and hepatitis B conditions.

The President reported that the eGovPH app has been downloaded and used by more than 56 million Filipinos. The continued integration of public services into accessible digital platforms can reduce administrative burdens and improve the delivery of essential assistance.

To complement expanded healthcare coverage, ECCP stands ready to engage with the government on regulatory reliance pathways and healthcare procurement approaches that widen timely access to safe, effective, and innovative medicines while maintaining appropriate quality and safety safeguards.

On human capital, the Chamber notes the President’s report that AI-readiness programmes have reached at least 1.8 million individuals, including students, parents, and teachers. ECCP welcomes the administration’s emphasis on technical education, reskilling, upskilling, digital literacy, and workforce readiness.

The Chamber also recognises the proposed Pax Silica Industrial Hub as a strategic component of the Luzon Economic Corridor and the country’s participation in global technology, advanced manufacturing, and logistics value chains.

European companies in advanced manufacturing, logistics, digital services, education, and technology are natural partners in building the skilled workforce and local supplier base that these emerging industries require.

Regional integration

ECCP welcomes the President’s emphasis on ASEAN cooperation, particularly the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework, the ratification of the Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security, and efforts to advance the ASEAN Power Grid following the interconnection of the Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao grids.

During its ASEAN Chairship, the Philippines is well placed to advance harmonised digital rules, secure cross-border digital transactions, supply-chain resilience, energy connectivity, and closer EU-ASEAN economic relations.

ECCP Executive Director Florian Gottein said: “This SONA gave the business community a clearer sense of where public investment and reform efforts are heading. Our members are encouraged by the progress on right-of-way reform, energy development, and digital government services. ECCP’s role is to remain a constructive partner, bringing the practical experience of European companies to the agencies implementing these programmes and helping ensure that sound policies translate into projects, jobs, and investments on the ground.”

ECCP remains ready to work with the government, Congress, local government units, and the wider private sector to help turn the priorities outlined in the SONA into stronger institutions, more competitive industries, high-quality investments, and sustainable and inclusive growth.