JFC Statement on the 2026 State of the Nation Address
The Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines (JFC) welcomes President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ‘s continued commitment to advancing reforms that strengthen the country’s competitiveness, modernize governance, and improve the investment climate, as outlined in his fifth State of the Nation Address.
As the country moves from reform to implementation, the JFC encourages the government to sustain momentum by advancing the remaining legislative and policy priorities needed to enhance productivity, innovation, and long-term competitiveness. We welcome the administration’s emphasis on transparency and accountability, energy security, renewable energy expansion, healthcare access and service delivery, infrastructure development, and mass transit. These priorities are important to building a more resilient and competitive economy.
To help translate these priorities into concrete outcomes, the JFC reiterates its 12-point legislative and policy reform agenda, including measures that will improve regulatory efficiency, facilitate trade, strengthen tax and investment predictability, support job creation, and make it easier to do business in the Philippines. The JFC likewise encourages the government to prioritize the effective implementation and administration of existing tax and revenue measures, while carefully assessing the competitiveness implications of any proposed new fiscal policies. A stable, predictable, and competitive fiscal environment is essential to sustaining investor confidence, encouraging business expansion, and supporting long-term economic growth.
In the energy sector, the JFC continues to support amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, together with reforms that promote reliable, affordable, and sustainable power supply.
The JFC also welcomes the administration’s continued pursuit of free trade agreements and regional economic integration. These efforts are critical to expanding market access, attracting high-quality investments, and strengthening the Philippines’ role in regional and global value chains.
The Joint Foreign Chambers remains committed to working closely with the Philippine Government and all stakeholders to help move priority reforms from policy commitment to effective implementation. Through sustained reform, stronger public-private collaboration, and clear execution, the Philippines can build a more transparent, competitive, and resilient economy that attracts investment, creates quality jobs, and delivers sustainable and inclusive growth.
The JFC is a coalition of the American, Canadian, European, Japanese, and Korean chambers of commerce, as well as the Philippine Association of Multinational Companies Regional Headquarters (PAMURI). Collectively, we represent over 2,000 member companies engaged in over $100 billion worth of bilateral trade and some $30 billion of investments in the Philippines. The JFC supports and promotes open international trade, increased foreign investment, and improved conditions for business to benefit both the Philippines and the countries the JFC members represent.
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JOSEPHINE GRACE MIRAFUENTES
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0975 374 3440