Construction industry cautions on relaxing rules for foreign contractors

The Philippine Constructors Association (PCA) has warned that the move to further open the domestic construction industry to foreign contractors could displace Filipino firms, especially the small players.

- BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT

PCA President Wilfredo Decena issued this warning amid a projected growth in the sector that should fuel the recovery of the domestic economy this year after slumping 26 percent last year, sending the national gross domestic product (GDP) to a steep 9.5 percent year-on-year drop.

Decena noted there are sectors that had been pushing for the unrestricted entry of foreign contractors that could further displace Filipino contractors, particularly SMEs which comprised 97 percent of all registered contractors in the country.

“This is happening while other countries have taken steps to protect and support their local industry amid the global pandemic,” Decena said.