Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry as Official Private Sector Representative in the Government

December 7, 1978

LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS NO. 780

WHEREAS, national policy dictates that Government and the private sector should work hand in hand for the economic progress of the country;

WHEREAS, the fragmented state of the private business sector of the country tends to disunity and unhealthy rivalry among them to the prejudice not only of the private sector but of the national interest as well;

WHEREAS, organized business and industry are concentrated in Metropolitan Manila and a few urban centers while small business units in other parts of the country are left unorganized and unrepresented in the various national forums, both public and private, thereby resulting in an undesirable economic and social imbalance;

WHEREAS, in international business forums such as the ASEAN Chambers of Commerce and Industry it is imperative that the country's private sector be represented by a cohesive single organization;

WHEREAS, there is a necessity for the establishment of a strong and united voice for the entire private business sector in the country;

WHEREAS, cognizant of this necessity, the two major national business and industrial organizations in the country, the Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and the Philippine Chamber of Industries, have unified and merged into a single chamber known as the Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry; casia

WHEREAS, in the pursuit of its lofty objective, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry deserves the encouragement, assistance and support of the Government.

NOW, THEREFORE, in line with the foregoing aims and objectives, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry is hereby recognized as the sole official representative and voice of the entire private business community. As such, it shall serve as the liaison and channel of communication on matters and issues which are of common concern to the business community and government. It shall likewise be the recognized representative of the private sector in international business forums.

All Ministries and other government agencies and instrumentalities concerned are therefore hereby directed to extend to the Chamber all necessary cooperation and assistance, particularly on projects and matters which call for joint government-private sector participation in the attainment of national development goals.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 7th day of December, in the year of Our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Seventy-Eight.