Cebu businessmen back governance reforms to restore investor confidence

Cebu’s business sector is closing ranks behind a renewed push for governance reforms, arguing that transparency, policy stability and institutional credibility are critical to restoring investor confidence after a turbulent year marked by political noise and corruption probes.

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Jay Yuvallos, president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), said lingering investigations, governance concerns and political uncertainty weighed heavily on business sentiment in 2025, prompting firms to delay expansion plans and adopt a more cautious approach to new investments.

“2025 tested our resolve,” Yuvallos said. “We started the year cautiously optimistic, but a series of political and governance shocks dampened confidence. To move forward, we need clear reforms that stabilize expectations and restore trust.”

The private sector is now signaling broad support for measures such as freedom-of-information legislation, stronger independent oversight institutions and reforms aimed at curbing political dynasties—steps Yuvallos said are necessary to “stop the bleeding” and reset the investment climate heading into 2026.

Business groups are also pushing for a more unified private-sector voice, with chambers and industry associations aligning behind a common agenda focused on long-term competitiveness rather than short-term relief.

Recent dialogues among chambers underscored the need for cohesion as firms navigate policy uncertainty, external shocks and shifting global capital flows.