Key takeaways:
- PCCI warns stricter environmental regulations could harm the Philippine economy
- Concerns focus on the potential impact on industries like agriculture, food production, cement, and construction
- PCCI urges policymakers to adopt a balanced approach with realistic standards and data-driven targets
- They advocate for cost-benefit analyses and leveraging best practices from other countries
- Focus remains on finding a sustainable path that balances environmental goals with economic realities
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is urging the government to take a more balanced approach towards stricter environmental regulations. They worry tougher rules could hurt the economy and put a strain on the people’s wallets.
PCCI Chairman George Barcelon stressed that protecting the environment is important, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of businesses being able to operate and people having jobs. “This legislation represents a bold step towards sustainability and responsibility,” Barcelon said. “But it should not come at a cost to businesses and to the economy as a whole.”
The concerns stem from the discussions surrounding the Low Carbon Economy bill, which aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 as outlined in the Paris Agreement. During a recent meeting, industry leaders expressed apprehension about how it might affect things like agriculture, food production, cement, and construction.
Lawyer Joseph Fabul of the Philippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers highlighted the potential threat to food security, worried that stricter rules might make it harder to grow enough food for everyone.
Meanwhile, Cirilo Pestano of the Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines pointed out the challenges faced by energy-intensive industries, like making cement and building things in a way that doesn’t pollute as much.
PCCI’s energy committee also wants the government to make sure any new rules make sense for the Philippines, not just copy what richer countries are doing. They say the goals to cut carbon emissions should be based on real data about each industry, and the government should carefully consider the costs and benefits before making any big changes.
They also want the government to learn from what other Southeast Asian countries are doing and explore creative solutions like setting up a market where companies can trade “pollution permits” or plant trees to offset their emissions.
PCCI is staying involved in the discussions and is setting up a special team to represent businesses as the government figures out how to fight climate change. Their main goal is to find a way to protect the environment without hurting the economy too much. Basically, they want a greener future that doesn’t come at an unfair cost to businesses and consumers.Ⓒ
Business Bayani PH 
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