The Committee’s discussion focused on the following items:

• PPP
  • HB 5720 filed by Rep. Alvarez was discussed.
  • Various business groups initially expressed their concerns for the said House Bill as implementation of HB 5720 may cause further delay of PPP Projects / program, adding another layer to the bureaucracy.
• PCAB
  • Congressman Arthur Yap, in his capacity as Chairman of Economic Affairs Committee in the House, filed House Resolution No. 898 strongly urging the appropriate committee to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the desired economic policy direction of the Philippines with regard o foreign participation in the ownership and operation of corporations and firms engaged in the business of construction of buildings and other infrastructure in the Philippines.

CMTA, regional shipping lines / ASEAN Integration, Blue Economy, Maritime Shipping Cost (Legalities), and Balikbayan Trade / De Minimis (initial experiences in the context of CTMA) were also tackled during the Committee Meeting.