President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday encouraged more ordinary Filipinos to invest in the capital markets with the implementation of the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act (CMEPA).
President Marcos said the reform measure under Republic Act No. 12214 is projected to generate over PhP25 billion in net revenue for the government by 2030.
“So, let me be clear: The reform is not just for the well-off and for the professionals, for the stock traders. It is for every Filipino who dreams of better financial security,” President Marcos emphasized during a special bell-ringing ceremony at the Philippine Stock Exchange in Taguig City marking the start of the implementation of CMEPA.
“It empowers the small business owner, the young professional, and the overseas Filipino worker to start investing their hard-earned money to build a better future,” the President said.
The new law simplifies investment procedures to create an inclusive financial system where every Filipino, regardless of income or background, can participate and prosper.
CMEPA was created to strengthen the country’s financial market by cutting the stock transaction tax, making it cheaper and simpler for everyday Filipinos to start investing, thus encouraging more people to join the market and boosting investor confidence.
“But beyond revenue, CMEPA reinforces confidence. It shows that our financial system is becoming more equitable and structured for long-term stability,” the President added.
Before the law was enacted, the Philippines had one of the highest stock transaction taxes in Southeast Asia—six times higher than in Singapore and Malaysia.
With CMEPA now in place, the country’s financial system is set to become more competitive in the ASEAN region.
“From now until 2030, CMEPA is projected to generate over P25 billion in net revenue—a substantial sum that can help fund the building of roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, other social safety net programs as well,” President Marcos said.
For the successful implementation of CMEPA, President Marcos urged market participants to uphold transparency, fairness, and good governance, stressing that reforms must benefit all sectors of society.
“To all concerned agencies: Let us make it our mission to ensure that every Filipino will feel the full benefits of this law without delay,” the President said. | PND
