THE Makati Business Club (MBC) wants President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize legislative approval of five reform measures to help realize the massive investment pledges generated by the country's increased engagement with the world.

"MBC recognizes the efforts of the current administration to promote the Philippines as a key investment destination in order to create quality jobs and improve services," it said in a July 11 statement that was made available Friday.

It noted "significant strides" in the country's diplomatic initiatives, with Marcos' foreign trips and visits by world leaders the Philippines said to have factored in the government having secured $19 billion in investment pledges.

"Reforms in governance, ease of doing business, skills development, and improving power and infrastructure need to be fast-tracked so that the country can become more competitive," the MBC said.

Ahead of Marcos' State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22, the business group said that it was urging the President and his Cabinet to "consider the acceleration" of five measures that are currently pending in Congress.

These are:

– The proposed National Apprenticeship Program Act under Senate Bill (SB) 2491, which seeks to ensure the availability of a qualified workforce with critical in-demand and technical skills.

– The Enterprise-Based Education and Training Framework Act under SB 2587, which calls for the enhancement of worker skills with the active involvement of the private sector.

– The Philippine Downstream Natural Gas Industry Development Act under SB 2247, which seeks to promote the development and use of natural gas in the country.

– The People's Freedom of Information Act under SB 1006, which seeks to enhance citizen participation in governance via the adoption of a policy of full public disclosure of transactions involving public interest.

– Amendments to the Right-of-Way Act (Republic Act 10752) to facilitate the implementation of priority infrastructure projects.

"We believe that these important reforms will help accelerate economic growth, improve investor confidence and create an enabling environment for job-creating investments," the MBC said.

Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go has also emphasized the need for an improved right-of-way law to fast-track critical infrastructure projects.

He added that an effective right-of-way law is one of the Marcos administration's top 10 legislative priorities for the 19th Congress, which starts its third regular session on the day of Marcos' SONA.

Go claimed that Congress had responded positively, having recognized the need to avoid project delays.