Comment of Dr. Bjoern Dressel
Channel: PIDS
Date: 2017-10-22

Regulation and Governance in the Philippines: Development Policy Challenges for the New Administration

The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) and the Australian National University (ANU), in cooperation with the Philippine Competition Commission, will hold a conference titled, "Regulation and Governance in the Philippines: Development Policy Challenges for the New Administration". The Manila Conference 2017 will be held on 18-19 October 2016 at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

This conference explores what regulation may mean in shaping a new governance paradigm in the Philippines. What is the state of regulation in the Philippines? What role will regulation play in relation to the country’s economic and political development? In this two-day seminar, expert panels will discuss existing regulatory barriers and burdens affecting the growth of major industries in the Philippines. Speakers will compare various regulatory models, including experiences from other jurisdictions, to assist in developing a coherent and effective regulatory framework that is relevant to the needs and context of the Philippines. Discussants will also consider the role of international and regional standards in reshaping rules and practices and in fostering a culture of responsive regulation in the Philippines. The seminar is also an opportunity to discuss the Duterte administration’s economic agenda and other pressing political issues that may impact on the economic prospects for the Philippines in 2017 and beyond.

The seminar features a half day interactive workshop focused on developing a research program for the ANU Philippines Project, PIDS, and other interested research and policy institutions. The workshop aims to foster research collaboration between Philippine and Australian institutions and to produce policy-engaged research on salient economic, trade, political, and governance challenges in the Philippines.