Media Release
July 30, 2025
The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham Philippines) released the following statement after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA):
“We commend President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for delivering a grounded and forward-looking State of the Nation Address (SONA), which reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth, improved public service delivery, and stronger collaboration with the private sector. The President’s candid assessment of the past three years and his renewed focus on accelerating progress signal a constructive and responsive approach to governance that the business sector welcomes and supports.
AmCham is among eleven business groups that released a comprehensive economic reform agenda on July 23, urging President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration and the 20th Congress to prioritize key legislative and executive actions to accelerate economic growth, foster sustainable development, and significantly enhance the country’s investment climate. We reiterate our strong support for these national policy measures and believe these complement the President’s priorities and support the goals outlined in the SONA.
Lastly, the President’s message of ‘invest in the Filipino’ resonates deeply with the business community and reinforces our shared belief in the potential of the Philippines as a prime investment destination.”
On Digital Transformation and Service Delivery. President Marcos Jr. highlighted the success of the eGov app, the expansion of free Wi-Fi, and the integration of digital tools in education and governance. To build on this momentum, the E-Governance Act will establish a legal framework for digital government services, improving efficiency and accessibility. Complementing this, the Digital Economy Act will support the growth of digital industries, e-commerce, and innovation—enabling the Philippines to compete more effectively in the global digital economy. The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act also plays a key role in this space, ensuring the ethical and strategic use of AI technologies that are increasingly being adopted in education, agriculture, and public service delivery.
On Connectivity and Infrastructure. Universal internet access, especially in schools and remote areas, was a key priority in the SONA. To achieve this, the Konektadong Pinoy Act is key in improving the quality of internet connectivity by encouraging private investment and competition to expand broadband infrastructure. Additionally, amendments to the Civil Aviation Authority Act and the Philippine Ports Authority Charter will modernize regulatory frameworks for air and sea transport, supporting tourism, logistics, and regional connectivity.
On Energy Access and Affordability. The President acknowledged persistent energy challenges, including high costs and limited access in rural areas. The EPIRA Amendments will address these issues by strengthening regulatory oversight, promoting competition, and accelerating the shift to cleaner, more reliable energy — critical for powering industries and communities.
On Natural Resources and Sustainability. Land reform, agricultural productivity, and support for fisherfolk and coastal communities were emphasized in the SONA. The National Land Use Act will provide a strategic framework for balancing land allocation across agriculture, infrastructure, housing, and conservation — supporting food security and climate resilience. Meanwhile, the Blue Economy Act will promote sustainable use of marine resources and coastal development, aligning with the administration’s vision for revitalizing the maritime economy.
On Transparency and Anti-Corruption. The President’s commitment to publishing infrastructure project data and investigating failed projects reflects a strong stance against corruption and inefficiency. To institutionalize this transparency, the Freedom of Access to Information Act is a critical measure. It will empower citizens and investors to hold institutions accountable by ensuring public access to government-held data.
On Investment Promotion and Economic Competitiveness. The President’s call to “invest in the Filipino” and his emphasis on opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, and digital sectors underscore the need for reforms that enhance investor confidence. The Foreign Investors’ Long Term Lease Act Amendments will extend allowable lease terms, encouraging long-term capital inflows in priority sectors. The Holiday Rationalization Act also supports the broader goal of improving productivity and economic efficiency by streamlining the country’s holiday schedule. Finally, the National Single Window System, an executive-level initiative, will streamline trade and customs processes, improving logistics and reducing red tape.
On September 25–26, Arangkada Philippines, the advocacy of the Joint Foreign Chambers, is hosting the 2025 Arangkada Philippines Investment Forum at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City. The two-day forum will convene leaders from government, business, and civil society to discuss policy reforms to support investment promotion and retention and showcase the various opportunities for investment in the Philippines. Register here: https://arangkadaphilippines.com/forum2025/
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