FREDERICK D. GO — DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

THE American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham Philippines) said Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go’s appointment as the head of the Economic Development Committee will ensure continuity in investment oversight.

AmCham Philippines said: “Continuity in investment oversight is essential to aligning fiscal policy, incentives, and national development priorities.”

Executive Order (EO) No. 108, abolished the Office of Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA), which Mr. Go had previously led before moving to the Department of Finance (DoF).

OSAPIEA had been created by EO 49, which also designated the head of the agency to serve as chairman of the Economic Development Committee.

Under EO 108, the Secretary of Finance (DoF) will instead serve as the committee’s chairman.

AmCham EO 108 “strengthens coordination across government agencies and reinforces a clear and predictable framework for economic policy and investment promotion.”

In a statement, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) also welcomed the issuance of EO 108, calling it “a decisive step to streamline investment promotion, strengthen competitiveness, and attract more investment.”

“We commend the administration for consolidating its economic team under Secretary Go’s leadership. His continuing role as economic czar sends a strong signal that the government is serious about improving efficiency and reducing bureaucratic red tape,” PCCI President Ferdinand A. Ferrer said.

The PCCI said Mr. Go’s responsiveness to business concerns could help yield meaningful reforms.

“The chamber reaffirmed its commitment to continue working with the DoF and other agencies to make the Philippine business environment more efficient, transparent, and competitive,” it added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

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