Rene Vincent Torralba

Yesterday's PCCI National 1st General Membership Meeting was a timely and impactful gathering!

Held at the Mayuree Ballroom, Dusit Hotel in Makati, the event focused on 'Reclaiming Public Trust: DPWH at the Forefront.' DPWH Secretary Hon. Vivencio 'Vince' B. Dizon delivered key insights as guest speaker, pledging sweeping reforms to curb corruption, shift to performance-based appointments and promotions, and rebuild confidence in public infrastructure projects amid recent policy and spending concerns.

It was a strong call for deeper government-private sector collaboration to ensure transparent, responsible, and sustainable initiatives that benefit businesses and all Filipinos. Moments like this highlight the power of people and organizations uniting toward shared goals—aligning perfectly with our push for business growth and sustainability.

Grateful for the productive discussions and networking with fellow members and leaders.

Catch the event highlights in this album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/5tqgzJ3wdwQnDBaJ6

PCCI-P'que's 93rd General Membership Meeting

PCCI-Parañaque Celebrates 93rd GMM: Strengthening Legacies through Strategic Partnerships Our Chamber (PCCI-Parañaque) reached another milestone with the successful 93rd General Membership Meeting (GMM) held last December 17 at Kathy’s Hub, Parañaque. Led by President Rene Vincent Torralba, the event centered on the timely and essential theme: "Empowering Family Business through Strategic Partnership."

We were delighted to welcome Ms. Yolly Dela Cruz (Incoming Area Vice President) and Ms. Helen Lising (Incoming Secretary General) from PCCI-NCR, who joined us to show their support for our local business community.

The highlight of the afternoon was an engaging and deep-dive session with guest speaker Mr. Jonathan Ramos, CEO of Premier Family Business Consulting Inc.

Mr. Ramos shared invaluable insights on navigating the complexities of family-owned enterprises, focusing on how strategic partnerships and professional management can ensure longevity and harmony across generations.

Moving beyond theory into action, the event featured the official Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing between PCCI-Parañaque and Premier Family Business Consulting Inc.

This partnership aims to provide chamber members with specialized tools and consultancy services tailored to the unique needs of family businesses.

The success of the 93rd GMM was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors, who continue to champion the growth of the Parañaque business community: Sign Media, Inc. Gonzales Batiller Bilog Leabres & Reyes San Dionisio Credit Cooperative As the year draws to a close, PCCI-Parañaque remains steadfast in its mission to empower its members.

By focusing on the backbone of the local economy—the family business—the chamber ensures that Parañaque’s economic future is built on a solid, professional, and strategic foundation.

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄
10 December 2025

𝑩𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒑𝒔 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒆 𝑻𝑼𝑪𝑷 𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒆𝒙𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑽𝑨𝑻 𝒐𝒏 𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒔𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝑴𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒄 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), the Philippine Exporters Confederation (Philexport) and the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) today issued a joint call endorsing HB 6740. Authored by TUCP Party-list Representative and House Deputy Speaker Raymond Mendoza, the bill seeks to exempt electricity sales from Value-Added Tax (VAT).

The organizations emphasized that electricity is a basic and indispensable input affecting households, small and large enterprises, and key industries. Exempting electricity from VAT would provide immediate relief to consumers.

“A VAT exemption on electricity will provide direct and immediate relief to the Filipino people. Removing this burden shows our faith that Filipinos can achieve their highest potential if we stop weighing them down with excessive taxation on our already expensive power," said House Deputy Speaker and the bill's author, TUCP Party-list Rep. Raymond Mendoza. “This is not only an economic measure; it is a social protection that safeguards workers and families. The benefits of cheaper power for both small entrepreneurs and major industries to grow, attract more investments, and generate decent employment for our people do not merely offset but far outweigh the cost to the Government.”

The business groups noted that high power costs remain one of the country’s biggest barriers to competitiveness, particularly in manufacturing. Removing VAT on electricity would reduce operating costs, helping factories expand production, attract new investments, and increase the sector’s contribution to GDP and job creation.

“If we want to attract investors and grow our industrial base, we must address power costs head-on,” said PCCI President Enunina Mangio said. “Removing VAT on electricity is a concrete step toward making the Philippines more competitive.”

The groups added that the measure would not only safeguard jobs but also support the creation of new ones.

“With more affordable power, industries can scale up operations, while micro, small, and medium enterprises can better manage rising expenses and sustain employment,” PCCI Chairman and Director of the Energy Committee, George Barcelon emphasized

The groups underscored that the Philippines is competing for a new wave of investments -especially energy-intensive investments such as data centers, advanced manufacturing, and digital infrastructure.

PCCI Chairman for Energy and Power David Chua noted: “We are in a global race for high-value, energy-intensive investments. Lowering electricity costs through a VAT exemption signals that our country is serious about attracting industries that create quality jobs.”

The groups further stressed that the proposed VAT exemption should be viewed not as a loss in revenue, but as a strategic investment - one that will yield returns through stronger economic activity, increased business confidence, and broader tax bases in the long run. By reducing the cost of electricity, the government empowers industry to grow, enhances productivity, and creates a more dynamic and resilient economy.

"The endorsement by business groups and the TUCP to exempt electricity sales from VAT is heartening. Finally, employers and labor have unanimously agreed that this is the measure that will free up workers and consumers from the burden of VAT and at the same time, trigger the creation of more and quality jobs for Filipino workers with prospects for better livelihoods. This is the better approach than the age-old palliatives and ayuda," expressed TUCP Vice President Luis Corral.

PCCI-Parañaque Marks a Successful 90th General Membership Meeting at Kingsford Hotel Our Chamber successfully hosted the 90th General Membership Meeting (GMM) last Friday, April 4, 2025, at the Kingsford Hotel in Parañaque City. The significant gathering served as a dual celebration, marking both a crucial assembly for its members and the esteemed 31st anniversary of the organization’s dedicated service to the local business community.

Commemorating three decades of advocating for and supporting Parañaque businesses, the 31st-anniversary theme added a layer of reflection and festivity to the evening. The GMM provided the essential platform for the Chamber's leadership under President Rene Vincent Torralba to present vital updates on recent accomplishments, ongoing initiatives, and future strategic directions of the organization.

The program featured inspiring messages that resonated with the attendees. Atty. Ding Soriano, representing Congressman Edwin Olivarez, delivered remarks emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors. Adding valuable perspective from both the chapter's history and the wider regional context, Mr. Nelson Mendoza – a distinguished Past President of PCCI-Parañaque, current Board Member, and the PCCI-NCR Regional Governor for the South Sector – shared encouraging words and insights with the members and its constituents.

A key highlight of the event was the informative keynote address by Mr. Gerald Divinagracia, Undersecretary for Operations at the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA). Undersecretary Divinagracia discussed ARTA's critical role and ongoing efforts in streamlining government processes, combating bureaucratic red tape, and ultimately improving the ease of doing business in the Philippines – a topic of paramount importance to the entrepreneurs and business leaders present.

New members were formally inducted during the well-attended GMM, strengthening the Chamber's vibrant network. An atmosphere combining camaraderie with productive engagement facilitated ample opportunities for networking and collaboration among Parañaque's business leaders. PCCI-Parañaque extended its profound gratitude to the event's sponsors, whose generous support was instrumental in the success of the 90th GMM: NextAsia Land, Toyota Bicutan, QNE Software, and Lot’s a Pizza. The success of this event underscores PCCI-Parañaque's unwavering commitment and continued relevance.

As it moves forward from this milestone, the Chamber remains dedicated to championing business interests, fostering innovation, and playing a pivotal role in the ongoing economic development and prosperity of Parañaque City.

Thank you to everyone who made our 2024 an unforgettable year filled with achievements and camaraderie.

As we step into 2025, we look forward to a more productive and fruitful year ahead! Let's continue building stronger connections and achieving new heights together.

Wishing all PCCI Parañaque members and friends a prosperous and joyous New Year!

Happy New Year 2025!

𝙃𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙮 𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙋𝘾𝘾𝙄 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙖ñ𝙖𝙦𝙪𝙚! 🎆

As we step into 2025, we extend our warmest greetings to all our esteemed Officers, Members, and Stakeholders.

We are grateful for your unwavering support and dedication throughout the past year. Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones and faced challenges with resilience.

Let us embrace the opportunities that 2025 brings with renewed vigor and optimism. May this year be filled with prosperity, success, and meaningful connections.

We look forward to a year of continued collaboration and growth with you all.

#2025

Thank You for a Memorable Celebration!

A Heartfelt Thank You to Everyone Who Made It Possible!

Yesterday, we celebrated not just one, but two remarkable milestones: PCCI-Parañaque’s 30th Anniversary and the 12th PCCI-Parañaque Business Conference, with the theme “Doing Business in Parañaque 2.0”. Held at the Kingsford Hotel in Tambo, Parañaque City, the event was a resounding success, thanks to the unwavering support of our community, partners, and leaders.

• Our Highlights:

- Insightful discussions led by esteemed speakers and industry experts
- The inspiring keynote by Mr. Ramon Pascual of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- The strong support from our local government and partner chambers
- Meaningful networking sessions that sparked new opportunities

• As President of PCCI-Parañaque, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to:

- Our dedicated Board of Directors and chamber members for their hard work and commitment
- Our sponsors, partners, and attendees who made this celebration truly special
- Congressman Edwin Olivarez, Mayor Eric Olivarez, and all government representatives for their steadfast support

This event is just the beginning. As we step into our fourth decade, we remain committed to empowering businesses, fostering partnerships, and driving economic growth in Parañaque City.

To those who couldn’t make it, I invite you to be part of our future events. Let’s continue building a brighter, more vibrant business community together!