Business-friendly, anti-red tape: CCCI head’s critera for candidates

FOR the upcoming elections, business leaders will pick candidates who are “business-friendly” and who will make infrastructure improvements a priority.

Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) president Virgilio Espeleta said business owners are keen to vote for candidates who are receptive to changes in the sector.

“What is important is their efforts on governance. It’s the government which has the control over infrastructure development so business owners would be happy because good infra will really improve their business,” Espeleta said.

He said the business industry will benefit if candidates are open to creating an environment for businesses to thrive and compete.

Espeleta said the bureaucratic processes should also be considered, especially when there is a law on the ease of doing business.

“Government has control over regulatory agencies and processes. Make it easy and make it more business-friendly so that many businesses will be encouraged to even expand and grow their businesses,” he said.

A business-friendly government, he said, will attract investors to put up or even expand because it will fast-track the application of permits and other paperwork.

“Those who are hesitant to go into business will be empowered with a supportive government. That is the key,” he said.

He said they have yet to feel the impact of the law on the ease of doing business and highlighted the need for the government and the business community to work together.

“This is a collaboration. We need to incorporate with each other and look at what is the common good for the community,” he said.

The CCCI president said the government could also tap technology to help business owners avoid long lines in offices.

“We need to improve a lot on our processes and government bureaucracy. If there are several steps, we shorten. If we can apply or pay online, that would be good instead of lining up for the whole day,” he said.

“We can use technology to really simplify and be transparent in our transactions. Let’s go digital,” he added.

The CCCI is not known to practice bloc voting and does not openly endorse candidates as a group.