FPI pushes for reforms to boost manufacturing sector

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s umbrella organization of manufacturers and producers is pushing for the full implementation of the Tatak Pinoy Act and other reforms to strengthen local manufacturing and revitalize industries.

In a statement, the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) called on policymakers to advance reforms that will beef up the domestic manufacturing sector, reinforce fair trade practices and drive the country’s reindustrialization.

The statement was issued ahead of President Marcos’ State of the Nation Address and opening of the 20th Congress today.

“The recommendations emphasize the full implementation of key laws such as the Tatak Pinoy Act and CREATE MORE, along with complementary measures to protect local producers, stimulate innovation and ensure a competitive investment environment,” the FPI said.

FPI urged the government to implement the Tatak Pinoy Act effectively, by allocating proper funding and creating a multi-sectoral council to guide and monitor industrial development.

FPI also wants the government to accelerate the rollout of the CREATE MORE Act, by ensuring timely and fair access to incentives for both domestic and export-oriented manufacturers.

Other key industry policies that the FPI wants the government to prioritize are the full compliance to Philippine National Standards across all ports of entry and markets, a green industrial policy to promote low-carbon manufacturing and clean technology production, as well as a local preference procurement law.

FPI is also pushing for trade and enforcement reforms including a Comprehensive Anti-Smuggling Law, that will involve the creation of a public-private task force.

In addition, the FPI wants the government to adopt a balanced and strategic tariff policy that will include the conduct of periodic reviews and pre-liberalization impact assessments for sensitive sectors.

It is also pushing for stronger implementation of trade remedy mechanisms like safeguard, anti-dumping and countervailing duties.

To address import surges and unfair foreign competition, the FPI wants the government to institutionalize a trade and industry defense system for real-time monitoring and response.

The group is also urging the government to establish an independent investment ombudsman to resolve unjustified delays, harassment and regulatory inconsistencies encountered by investors, while coordinating with relevant agencies including the Department of Trade and Industry, Board of Investments, Department of Finance and local government units.

To eliminate red tape and deter corruption, the FPI is pushing for the implementation of e-governance reforms including full digital integration of trade facilitation, permitting and regulatory processes across agencies.

For his part, Philippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers Inc. executive director Mario Capanzana said on the sidelines of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines’ forum that the group wants the government to provide greater support for micro, small and medium enterprises, including food manufacturers.

He said MSMEs also need to be part of discussions on policies, including the front-of-pack labeling on packaged food products.

“The very group that will be affected will be the MSMEs,” he said, noting that developing new packaging or adding a front-of-pack label comes with a cost.

He also said food manufacturers that exceed a certain nutrient of concern such as sodium or sugar, will need to reformulate or face other restrictions in marketing or even taxation if they don’t.

“R&D (Research and development) is not easy because it will require cost and time. So, again, we need to look at that and hopefully, the Philippine government will be able to address that concern about MSMEs,” he said.