AmCham draws up list of proposals

MANILA, Philippines - The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) aims to complete by May or June its wish list of proposed measures seen to promote the country’s growth and competitiveness for the next Congress, an official said.

John Forbes, AmCham legislative committee chairman, told reporters after a forum yesterday that the group is getting suggestions from executive branch departments, as well as from private firms and business chambers for a list of proposed measures covering economic reforms they want to be passed by the next Congress.

“That (May or June) is a good target to finish (the wish list),” he said.

He acknowledged it is too early to say what bills would form part of the wish list for the next Congress as the AmCham has just started with the first of the three-part legislative forum.

The AmCham is set to hold two more sessions for the wish list of proposed measures for the 16th Congress next month.

But while the AmCham has yet to come up with a wish list, Forbes said it may include proposed measures being pushed which are not approved in the 15th Congress.

The 15h Congress, which is currently on break, has two more days remaining after it resumes session on June 5.

Congress has adjourned for the campaign break, with elections to be held on May 13.