By Chloe Mari A. Hufana, Reporter
PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s administration has set 44 priority measures for Congress, but critics say the package risks falling short of addressing the Philippines’ deep economic weaknesses despite promises of stronger governance, wider social services and energy security.
The Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) outlined the bills late Tuesday, framing them as a roadmap to attract investment and modernize state institutions.
The list includes a proposed general tax amnesty, amendments to the Bank Deposit Secrecy Law and Anti-Money Laundering Act and fresh levies such as an excise tax on single-use plastics.
Also on the agenda are the proposed Cybersecurity Act, National Land Use Act, Blue Economy Act and fiscal reforms requiring civil servants to waive bank secrecy rights. The palace said the measures would “modernize institutions, strengthen fiscal discipline and ensure energy security.”
But Jose Enrique A. Africa, executive director of the research group Ibon Foundation, said the package leaned heavily on investor-friendly reforms while offering little for agriculture, redistribution or industrial development.
“The agenda lacks a coherent development framework to promote redistribution, agricultural growth and Filipino industrialization,” he said in a Viber message on Wednesday. “Tax amnesties are deeply problematic policy instruments that encourage tax avoidance and impunity rather than compliance.”
Mr. Africa added that while proposals to ease bank secrecy rules and tighten anti-money laundering standards are welcome, questions remain about whether they will be applied consistently.
“The current selectivity of the administration’s anti-corruption drive does not give confidence that there is really an intent to institutionalize effective anti-corruption measures,” he said.
The Marcos government has highlighted governance reforms as central to the agenda, citing bills that would compel civil servants to disclose bank accounts, a Progressive Budgeting law to tighten fiscal discipline, and a Magna Carta for villages.
The palace said such measures are needed as the Philippines contends with a widening corruption scandal in infrastructure spending.
Other legislative items target the fast-growing digital economy. These include proposals on digital payments, regulation of online gambling and the use of artificial intelligence in elections.
The palace said the bills would “secure online transactions, promote innovation and ensure the safe and responsible use of digital platforms in governance and public life.”
In a Viber message, Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto said the gambling bill would prioritize regulation over taxation.
Energy and climate resilience also feature in the list, with bills promoting biofuels, waste-to-energy projects and amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act.
A proposed excise tax on single-use plastics seeks to curb waste and raise revenue, while the proposed National Land Use Act and Blue Economy Act are positioned as frameworks for balancing growth with environmental protection.
Other measures include a master plan for infrastructure and national development, reforms to strengthen the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and changes to the Magna Carta for micro, small and medium enterprises. These are meant to bolster competitiveness, create jobs and broaden access to credit.
Still, Mr. Africa warned that without stronger redistributive reforms, the legislative program risks reinforcing elite and corporate control over key sectors such as water, healthcare and energy.
On the other hand, Michael L. Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said the priority bills could help boost the Philippines’ investment climate and bolster fiscal management.
“These are important reform measures that would provide a more conducive environment for further economic growth and development,” he said in a Facebook Messenger chat.
He said the bills are meant to draw in foreign investment, create jobs and boost economic activity. He added that the measures could also strengthen fiscal discipline and debt management, supporting the nation’s economic fundamentals. — with ARAI
