SEPT 23, 2015

NR # 3966B

An authority to oversee preparations for ASEAN integration sought

Mindanao lawmakers are pushing for the possibility of having an ASEAN Czar who will focus on
the countrys preparations to ensure readiness for the upcoming ASEAN Economic Community by 2015.
The proposal is contained in HR 2336 directing the Committee on Government Reorganization
to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the possibility of appointing an ASEAN Czar who will
oversee the preparations and the readiness of the Philippines for the upcoming ASEAN Economic
Community by 2015.
Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City) and Abante Mindanao Party-list Rep.
Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr., authors of the resolution, recalled that the member States of the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations has decided to establish by 2020 the ASEAN Community, including the ASEAN
Economic Community (AEC).
However, they pointed out that in view of the improving relations, the advancement of technology
and the improvement of the economies of the member-states, the ASEAN decided to accelerate its plans
and establish the AEC by 2015, this year.
The authors believe this integration will enable the country to achieve higher levels of economic
dynamism, sustained prosperity, inclusive growth and integrated development.
This integration, they added, will transform ASEAN into a stable, prosperous, and highly
competitive region with equitable economic development, and reduced poverty and socio-economic
disparities.
In the wake of the shortened time frame for such integration, the lawmakers said that an ASEAN
czar may be crucial in boosting the competitiveness of Philippine industries, which may further lag
behind their peers in the region due to domestic regulatory, financing, power and infrastructure
bottlenecks.
Thru regional integration, there will be free flow of goods thru the removal of tariffs, free flow of
services, investments, skilled labor and freer flow of capital.
The ASEAN integration would also strengthen competition policy, consumer protection and
intellectual property rights of member nations, accelerated human development by advancing and
prioritizing education, investing in human resource development, promotion of decent work, promoting
information and communication technology and facilitating access to applied science and technology,
the lawmakers stressed.
To underline their proposal, they cited Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr., president of the Philippine
Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport) and honorary chair of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce
and Industry (PCCI), said there were huge opportunities that could be tapped from the establishment of
the AEC but there is a need to have an authority who should align and harmonize all the efforts and
measures being undertaken to boost the countrys competitiveness in the region.
The said inquiry should consider, among others, the vital positions of the Department of Trade
and Industry, the National Economic and Development Authority, the PSE, the various banks and bankers
associations, other government agencies, the Philippine Exporters confederation Inc., Philippine Chamber
of Commerce and Industry and other agencies and entities which may shed light and resolve the issue the
authors concluded. (30) dpt