FFCCCII bats for reforms, inclusive growth for Philippines in 2026

The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) said the Philippines needed reforms and inclusive growth for its economy to improve in 2026.

In a statement on Friday, FFCCCII President Victor Lim said that the 2026 economy called for a “disciplined, coordinated, and reform-driven action across government, business, and civil society.”

“While the country retains fundamental strengths—demographic vitality, entrepreneurial energy, and robust domestic demand—these alone will not suffice amid intensifying global uncertainty and persistent domestic constraints,” he added.

“To unlock our full economic potential in 2026 and beyond, the Philippines must accelerate foundational reforms with clarity, resolve, and consistency of purpose,” Lim said.

Lim noted that the major threats to the Philippine economy included government lapses, political fragmentation, and climate change.

These threats undermined long-term investor confidence and must be resolved with decisive action through improved reforms and inclusive growth.

“The Filipino people’s resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit are beyond question. What remains imperative is the political and institutional will to translate these strengths into durable progress,” he said.

Need for policy reforms, digitization

Lim said that the country needed to view governance as a “non-negotiable foundation of growth” and urged for an independent anti-corruption body, the implementation of a Freedom of Information regime, and advanced digital technologies.

They also called for digitization to ease business processes and involve civil society and the private sector in auditing and infrastructure.

“Reducing bureaucratic friction, compliance costs, and regulatory uncertainty is the fastest and most effective way to attract investments, empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and create more quality employment nationwide. Predictable rules and efficient processes are needed to unleash the Philippines’ untapped competitive advantages,” Lim said.

He also called for an “independent and pragmatic foreign policy” that connects the Philippines towards cooperation with all major economies worldwide, as well as an  economic growth that was “inclusive, resilient, and anchored on fair competition.”

Structural reform

“By committing to genuine structural reform—plugging fiscal leakages, enforcing fair competition, advancing social justice, protecting the environment, and empowering productive sectors—we can transform recurring crises into defining reforms that strengthen confidence, competitiveness, and inclusion,” Lim said.

“The FFCCCII reaffirms its commitment to active partnership in advancing these reforms. With shared purpose, integrity in execution, and an unwavering dedication to the common good, we can build a stronger, more prosperous Philippines for all,” he added.

Earlier, the FFCCCII met with newly-appointed Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan to explore business and tourism opportunities between the Philippines and China ahead of ASEAN 2026.

In June 2025, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also called on the group to help steer businesses in the country and help build the Philippines as a sustainable and dependable economic partner. –Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/NB, GMA Integrated News