Union, carmakers seek council representation

LABOR and assembler groups in the car industry are lobbying for representation in the proposed Automotive Industry Development Council.

In a letter submitted to the Board of Investments last week, Francisco Mero, Philippine Metalworkers’ Alliance national president, said the group is seeking at least two seats in the council that would be formed under the new Motor Vehicle Development Program (MVDP).

Benjamin Sevilla, Philippine Automotive Competitiveness Council Inc. (PACCI) executive director, however, said that assemblers should have more representatives in the council.

“Ideally, PACCI would appreciate to see a greater participation from the private sector, to achieve more balance in the council between the private and government sectors and ensure more dynamism and collaboration between them,” he said.

According to the draft MVDP, the council “shall be the policy and program coordinating body tasked to ensure the accelerated development of the Philippine automotive industry.” –Ben Arnold O. de Vera, Manila Times