𝗢𝗺𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗼𝗻𝘂𝗺 𝗯𝘆 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝘆. 𝗣𝗮𝘂𝗹 𝗬𝘂𝘀𝗶

In my previous column, I discussed the concept of “Chamber Practice” and how business chambers play a pivotal role in advocating for public issues related to commerce and taxation. I highlighted a powerful quote by Mr. Rene Romero, a stalwart of the local business chamber PamCham, during the 33rd North Luzon Area Conference (NLBAC) held in Isabela Province on August 8-9, 2024. He stated, “Effective business advocacy requires credible leadership and consistent effort; through our engagement in advocacy, we not only uplift our business but also contribute to community development and nation-building.”

Apropos to this, the Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (MACCII) on October 3, 2024, hosted its General Membership meeting at Hilton-Clark. The guest of honor was Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian, head of the Senate’s Ways and Means Committee. Prior to his presentation, Senator Gatchalian sought out Dr. Francisco “Frankie” Villanueva, President of the Clark Investors and Locators Association (CILA). He acknowledged Dr. Frankie, among others, including CDC President Agnes Devanadera, for advocating the amendment of the CREATE Law (RA No. 11534) to transform it into CREATE MORE (Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy). This amendment aims to attract additional Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), which could significantly boost economic growth in our country.

Senator Gatchalian expressed admiration for Dr. Frankie’s commitment to improving the tax regime affecting Registered Business Enterprises (RBEs) within the Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ) and other special eco-zones. During the Q&A segment of the program, he actively engaged with Dr. Frankie as they discussed a proposal, among others, to reduce the employment threshold for qualifying for an extension of incentives under Sections 296 and 296-A of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) from 10,000 direct employees to 500, citing CDC data.

The significance of this development lies in the fact that a respected and young lawmaker has seriously considered a sound proposal from a representative of an organized economic stakeholder. Thus, if only all business chambers would diligently analyze the tax and economic issues or government policies that could adversely affect their industries and present them at the appropriate time and forum, there would be no reason for the State and Local Government Units (LGUs) to overlook the business sector. After all, businesses employ individuals who vote and pay taxes—often referred to as “the lifeblood of the government.”

Moreover, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the mother of all Philippine business chambers, is not without say in actively advocating for tax reforms. In particular, it has highlighted that the current Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Law does not differentiate between export enterprises and domestic market enterprises in the context of separate customs territories. This complicated issue was also a focal point for Dr. Frankie, who discussed it with Senator Win during the aforementioned forum.

Chamber Practice Updates

The Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PamCham), in collaboration with the North Luzon Philippine Chamber Development Institute (NL-PhilCDI) under the leadership of its Vice Chairman Rene Romero, has launched a milestone project aimed at assisting smaller chambers in enhancing their management skills and practices. This initiative essentially involves a mentor-mentee exchange of best practices.

The areas of discussion will encompass: (i) maintaining a strong chamber secretariat; (ii) sustaining effective internal operations, including board and committee meetings; (iii) organizing successful chamber events and membership development; and (iv) ensuring financial viability for the chamber.

This series of online forums, titled “Adopt-A-Chamber” program, will run from August to December 2024. Mr. Romero is being supported by Atty. Maie Cayanan, PCCI Assistant Vice President for North Luzon, Terry Carlos, the current president of PamCham, and Ms. Joyce Del Rosario, Executive Director of PamCham.

In celebration of PamCham’s 20th founding anniversary, a golf tournament is scheduled for November 21, 2024, at the Pradera Golf Club in Lubao, Pampanga. The PamCham Golf 2024 committee is chaired by Vice Chairman and Hausland CEO Willy Tan, with co-chair Chairman Jess Nicdao, chairman of Nidel Management, a leading top regional franchisee of Jollibee stores, yours truly, and former banker and estate wealth planning expert Cris Cura.

Proceeds of the tournament will go a long way in sustaining the chamber’s advocacies of “Priming Countryside Business”.

Moving on, congratulations to the Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (MACCI) for once again bagging the prestigious Most Outstanding Chamber Award (MOCA) from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) in the North Luzon – City Level Large Chamber category. The awarding was held during PCCI Philippine Business Conference (PBC) held at Marriot Hotel Grand Ball Room on October 23, 2024. This award rightfully acknowledges MACCI’s unwavering commitment to enhancing its advocacies and programs. Surely, PamCham is also on track to follow in MACCI’s footsteps as a potential future MOCA awardee in waiting.

And as MACCI celebrate its achievement, it also excitedly announced that it will be marking its 60th founding anniversary this year during its 2nd President’s Ball on November 14, 2024 at the Widus Clark Grand Balloom. A significant highlight of the celebration will be honoring member companies and individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the business community. Awards to be presented include: (i) the Iconic Business of the Year Award, (ii) the Iconic Business Person Award, and (iii) the Young Business Icon Award.

In 2023, the inaugural recipient of the MACCI Iconic Business Person Award was Engr. Peter G. Nepomuceno, a longstanding leader of Angeles Electric Corp (AEC) and founder of the publicly listed RASLAG Solar Corp. AEC, renowned for its centennial legacy, embodies an iconic local business dedicated to providing “value through reliable, responsive, mindful, and sustainable energy services at the most reasonable cost.” The company aims to be recognized as the “most reliable electric utility in North Luzon by 2027.”

In closing, I would like to echo the paraphrased words of a modern-day saint and lawyer, San Josemaria, who was himself inspired by the words of St. Paul in Romans, that “all things work together for the good all”. This should always be our guiding principle in every good deeds that we do.