Tag Archives: PUBLIC SERVICE ACT

EDC and business groups reaffirmed call for Congress to approve Public Service Act amendments

The Export Development Council (EDC), together with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT), and Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP) reaffirm call for Congress to approve the Public Service Act (PSA) amendments.

The groups highly encourage the Congressional Bicameral Conference Committee to adopt the most liberal provisions between the House and Senate versions in the sectors of (1) airports and seaports, (2) tollways/expressways, (3) air carriers, (4) telecommunications, and (5) public utility vehicles (PUVs).  Continue reading EDC and business groups reaffirmed call for Congress to approve Public Service Act amendments

Liberalization of public service: An amendment to the 85-year-old Public Service Act

On December 15, 2021, senators approved on third reading the Senate Bill No. 2094; garnering votes of 18-3-0 in favor of amending the Commonwealth Act No. 146 or the Public Service Act of 1936. The country was long held back by its underinvested public service infrastructure which in turn prohibited healthy market competition and resulted in high service costs that burden both direct consumers and exporters in general.

The Export Development Council-Networking Committee on Legislative Advocacy and Monitoring (EDC-NCLAM) advocated for the liberalization of telecommunications and common carriers in the previous version of the bill. Hence, this development in liberalizing our economy is greatly supported by the EDC. These amendments will reduce the cost of inter-island shipping by paving the way for competition in the shipping industry.
Continue reading Liberalization of public service: An amendment to the 85-year-old Public Service Act