PARTNERSHIPS AND THE PATH TO PROSPERITY

Joey Concepcion, founder of Go Negosyo, talks with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the sidelines of the recently concluded ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Laos PDR about the ASEAN Food Security Alliance (AFSA), a regional initiative for food security in the Philippines. Joining them is Christian Eyde Moeller, President of Lionheart Farms and a key private sector participant in the initiative.

After being away for about a month, I made it a point to mark my return trip with the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS). This year, it was held in Lao PDR.

At this gathering, I had the pleasure of introducing President Marcos as he delivered his keynote speech before the ASEAN leaders and private sector. Not that he needed any introduction. The President himself has often said that he considers himself the Philippines’s chief salesman, a role he has fully embraced.

In his address, President Marcos spoke at length about the current and future projects in the Philippines. His vision encompassed a wide array of sectors, including digital and physical infrastructure, disaster resilience, energy, industry, and of course, investments. The breadth and depth of his plans indicated that progress in one sector inevitably ripples out to benefit others.

 The ABIS is where innovative collaborations between the private sector and policymakers are initiated. It’s a unique space where business leaders and government officials can engage in frank discussions, share insights, and forge partnerships. Given the context of the event and the audience, it was no surprise that the President emphasized how the Philippines has enacted key reforms. Foremost among these is the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code, which is designed to ease the way for transformative partnerships.

I can attest that this administration has indeed put the private sector as an equal partner in the transformation of our economy. There has been a tangible shift in approach that is already yielding results. In every key sector – be it jobs, technology, agriculture, education or others – this government has harnessed the expertise and sought the partnership of the private sector.

DTI champions inter-agency collaboration on Internet Transactions Act

Taguig City, Philippines—To enhance consumer protection within the digital marketplace, the Department of Trade and Industry's E-Commerce Bureau (DTI-ECB) hosted on September 19 the first inter-agency consultation on the Internet Transactions Act (ITA) implementation.

 

“While the DTI is the primary agency that has regulatory jurisdiction over the use of the internet for e-commerce activities, the success of the ITA depends on inter-agency collaboration to address the evolving challenges of the digital space,” Undersecretary for E-Commerce Group Jean Pacheco said as she emphasized the need for a coordinated approach.

 

Usec. Pacheco requested participating agencies to submit a comprehensive list of online consumer complaints received since the ITA's effectivity on 20 December 2023, and a detailed list of items regulated and prohibited in online trade.

 

Additionally, the undersecretary underscored the DTI's commitment to developing innovative IT tools to support the ITA's implementation. These tools include:

Referral and Tracking of Complaints: To streamline and expedite the resolution of consumer complaints;

Online Business Database: To establish a comprehensive database of e-commerce players operating in the Philippines;

E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark: To assure consumers of safety and security when transacting online; and

Online Dispute Resolution: To offer an alternative and efficient mode of resolving disputes arising from online transactions.

The participating agencies also shared their respective consumer complaints handling process.

 

Representatives from key agencies were present at the meeting, including the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bureau of Customs, Civil Aeronautics Board, Department of Agriculture, Department of Energy, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Health, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Tourism, Food and Drug Administration, Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation, National Commission on Senior Citizens, National Bureau of Investigation, National Privacy Commission, Optical Media Board, Philippine Competition Commission, and the Philippine National Police. 

 

The University of the Philippines Law Center and USAID through the Regulatory Reform Support Program for National Development also supported the meeting.

 

Furthermore, Simone Di Castri, Co-Founder and Co-Head of the Cambridge Suptech Lab, was present and provided an update on the DTI’s groundbreaking "From Suptech to Govtech" initiative. This will harness artificial intelligence to enhance the government’s capacity to monitor and enforce consumer protection provisions under the ITA.

 

“The Internet Transactions Act is our roadmap to a truly inclusive digital future. Aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ vision, it empowers every Filipino to participate in the digital economy while propelling our businesses onto the local and global stage,” said DTI Secretary Cris Roque.

 

“Success depends on everyone—government, industry, and citizens—working hand in hand to build a fair, secure, and trustworthy online marketplace where Filipino consumers are protected and businesses can thrive with confidence,” the trade chief added as she stressed the necessity for unified action. 

12 Best Reasons to Go to the 12th PH Electric Vehicle Summit

The green light is on for the unstoppable movement to spark the change and drive electric as the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) mounts the 12th edition of the annual Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS).

“Rain or shine, the revolutionary electric vehicle (EV) summit and expo will go on to showcase the latest trends and innovations that would further drive the shift to electric mobility,” said EVAP President Edmund A. Araga. “With the theme ‘Spark Change, Drive Electric,’ the three-day event is gathering thought leaders, EV manufacturers, enthusiasts, students, and everyone who is curious and interested about the bright prospects of shifting to EV mobility.”

Here are 12 best reasons why you should drop by at the 12th PEVS happening at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City from October 24 to 26, 2024:

1. Be amazed by the showcase of latest EVs. The three-day expo is gathering the biggest and best brands offering EV in the local market today. An entire day would not be enough to enjoy every showcase of the present and future of mobility.

2. Sign up to test drive. A number of EV car exhibitors are offering quick test drives so you could actually experience driving the latest EVs. Be sure to bring your valid driver’s license before signing up.

3. Get updated on the state of local EV industry. A plenary session happening in the afternoon of Day 1 will ignite the discussion about the current market trends, challenges, government policies, incentives, opportunities, and everything EV.

4. Debunk the myths about EV driving. ‘Sparking the Change for EV Consumer Adoption’ session on Day 1 will highlight actual EV owners’ experiences, break misconceptions, and underline the benefits of driving EV.

5. Check out EV safety sessions. EVAP is culminating its 4-part EV Training Series with safety sessions for engineers, technicians, and fire fighters.

6. AFEVA conducts policy dialogue. The ASEAN Federation of Electric Vehicle Associations (AFEVA) is convening members for a public policy dialogue on Day 2. Get first-hand information about how neighboring countries in Southeast Asia are doing their part to promote EVs.

7. Know the latest about EV charging infrastructure. How is the charging infrastructure expanding across the country? Get the answer straight from the industry experts and public leaders in a panel discussion on Day 2.

8. Be awed by EV technology presentations. Various EV manufacturers and brands will showcase their latest innovations in between sessions throughout the 3-day conference.

9. Connect sustainability and electric mobility. A Day 2 afternoon session will focus on sustainability with the use of EVs. Find out how you could help protect the environment and promote a green future with the shift to EV.

10. Spark the change among the youth. There are presentations, discussions, and sessions targeting the academe, particularly the students. PEVS aims to start the spark among Gen Z and Alpha Gen participants as well.

11. Meet and network with fellow EV enthusiasts. Three days will surely be a short time meeting new acquaintances, contacts, and friends among fellow EV enthusiasts in the vast exhibition and conference halls. Let’s create a friendly community together!

12. Be among 12 raffle winners of e-scooters! To further bolster the excitement, 12 e-scooters will be given away to mark the 12th edition of PEVS. Visitors are advised

to visit and interact with the exhibit booths of EVAP’s partners to obtain the chance to win one of those e-mobility rides throughout the 3-day summit.

Be part of the movement that is sparking the change towards a cleaner and more electric future! Admission is FREE. You may register online at http://www.evap.com.ph.

The 12th PEVS is presented with major partners BYD, the Department of Energy, DONGFENG, Hyundai, Nissan, and VinFast.

 

Democratic Member Control- the Core of Coop Identity and a Key to a Successful Cooperative Enterprise

PARANAQUE CITY–In strengthening the core of the cooperative identity and restoring the fundamental principle of Democratic Member Control, the Philippine Chamber of Cooperatives Inc. in collaboration with CLIMBS Life and General Insurance Cooperative (Co-op Chamber) fortifies the celebration of Cooperative Month 2024 by holding its first National Coop Chamber President’s Conference at the Sequoia Hotel, Paranaque City, Metro Manila this October 17, 2024.

The Regional Presidents of the Coop Chamber, representing 16 regions, have united to reinforce the cooperative identity and highlight its role in empowering members and their cooperatives in economic, policy-making, governance, and cultural aspects of society.

Since its enactment on December 16, 2020, Republic Act 11502, officially declared the Month of October of Every Year as the “National Cooperative Month”. Cooperatives are recognized as conduits and partners of the government in delivering services and programs to our members and communities. Moreover, cooperatives actively engage in governance and policy-making to ensure that cooperative values and principles are upheld at all levels.

The Co-op Chamber emphasizes that the cooperative’s business model should not be modeled after corporations, as they have different business undertakings and declared principles and values.

One of the primary distinctions between a cooperative and a company is control. A corporation's control is determined by the number of shares and corresponding share voting, whereas a cooperative's control is defined by the principle of one member, one vote (for primary cooperatives) and one cooperative, one vote for a federation, ensuring that control is held by the general membership rather than a select few.

Deepening the Cooperative Identity: Democratic Member-Control

The Cooperative Chamber would like to highlight that Section 44 of HB 9673 and Section 45 of Senate Bill 2811 contradict Cooperative Principle No. 2, which is Democratic Member Control. This concept states that cooperatives are democratic organizations governed by their members, who actively engage in policymaking and decision-making, with elected representatives accountable to the membership. Members of primary cooperatives have equal voting rights, and cooperatives at all levels are similarly democratically constituted.

While cooperatives with higher shares receive greater patronage refunds and interest on capital, there are no majority or minority shareholders, considering that cooperatives differ from corporations. The one-member, one-vote principle is essential to the cooperative structure, as cooperatives exist to serve the needs of their members, ensuring decisions are made in line with the 2nd Principle, Democratic Member Control.

This means that each member has an equal say and vote in the decision-making process. It’s crucial to note that even at other levels, the one-member, one-vote, or the one cooperative, one vote must be maintained. The number of shares a member holds must not give them more voting power, as this would lead to a few members with more shares having more control and potentially monopolizing the cooperative.

In corporations, shareholders with more shares have more voting power. However, cooperatives do not follow this approach, as it does not allow for fair and equal representation of all members.

Co-op Chamber’s Lobbying and Advocacy Efforts

In the Senate hearing conducted by the Senate Committee on Cooperatives, chaired by Senator Imee R. Marcos, Mr. Noel Raboy, CEO and President of CLIMBS Life and General Insurance Cooperative and Chairperson of the Philippine Chamber of Cooperatives Inc., expressed openness to allowing 40% share capital holdings in a federation, on the condition that such shares do not carry voting rights.

If share voting schemes become part of the law, it would be difficult to ensure that they continue to serve their democratic purpose. The government should support the viability and growth of cooperatives as vehicles for social justice and economic development. In doing so, the proposed share voting should not be pursued, and the one-member, one-vote, or the one-cooperative, one-vote system must be maintained.

“The Co-op Chamber has increased its advocacy and lobbying efforts by integrating into 16 different regions and electing their respective officers using a bottom-up approach that incorporates the value of the cooperative identity through collective action, shared resources, and strategic planning.” Co-op Chamber, Executive Director Mr. Edwin Bustillos stated in the First National Leadership Conference last July 24, 2024.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. also highlighted the crucial role of cooperatives in developing the production and market power of the agriculture sector, among others. Hence, he emphasized the need to amend the provisions of RA 9520, the Cooperative Code, during his 2nd State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 24, 2023.

Nevertheless, the Co-op Chamber is committed to addressing vital issues and concerns affecting cooperatives through legislative advocacy and lobbying efforts to advance national and regional agendas supporting cooperative ideals, principles, and values.