Senate Deputy Minority Leader Rodante Marcoleta on Tuesday criticized previous legislatures for failing to pass crucial measures supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), highlighting the sector’s vital role in the economy.
Speaking at a joint public hearing, Marcoleta, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship, pointed to the long-standing delays in proposed amendments to the Magna Carta for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
“Bakit anim na Kongreso hindi naitaguyod ‘yung mga amyenda na kailangan talaga? Kung ni-recognize natin, isang napaka-importanteng component ng ating economy… MSMEs employ 60% of our labor class,” he said in his opening statement.
The lawmaker cited three MSME-related measures that stalled in the 19th Congress. These include proposals to institutionalize the Shared Service Facilities (SSF) program, the Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso (P3) Act, and the Protected Geographical Indications Act.
The SSF program is designed to give MSMEs access to shared service facilities and modern equipment to boost productivity and competitiveness.
Although the Senate approved the measure, it did not become law before Congress adjourned sine die.
Meanwhile, the P3 Act, which aims to provide financing assistance to small local businesses, remained pending on second reading.
Marcoleta did not hold back in blaming his colleagues, saying, “So obviously, ang Senate po ang natulog dito.”
The Protected Geographical Indications Act, intended to safeguard and promote locally produced goods for economic and agricultural growth, was passed by the House of Representatives but stalled in the Senate after sponsorship.
“So na-sponsor, walang nangyari,” he added.
In the current 20th Congress of the Philippines, Marcoleta revealed that several of these previously stalled measures have been refiled and are now being deliberated in the committee he chairs.