TAGUIG CITY, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged ordinary Filipinos to invest in the country’s capital markets, touting the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act (CMEPA) as a key reform to make investing more inclusive and accessible.

Speaking during a bell-ringing ceremony at the Philippine Stock Exchange to mark the start of CMEPA’s implementation, Marcos emphasized that the new law is designed not just for professionals and high-income earners, but also for everyday Filipinos.

“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,” the President said.

Signed into law as Republic Act No. 12214, CMEPA aims to simplify investment procedures and reduce the stock transaction tax, one of the highest in Southeast Asia before the law’s passage. By lowering this cost, the government hopes to encourage broader participation in the stock market and boost investor confidence.

“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,” Marcos said.

The law is projected to generate over ₱25 billion in net revenue by 2030, revenue which the President said could help fund infrastructure and social services, including roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and safety net programs.

Marcos also framed the measure as a signal of the government’s commitment to long-term economic stability and a more equitable financial system.

“Beyond revenue, CMEPA reinforces confidence. It shows that our financial system is becoming more equitable and structured for long-term stability,” he said.

Prior to CMEPA, the Philippines had a stock transaction tax rate six times higher than that of Singapore and Malaysia, placing it at a competitive disadvantage in the ASEAN region.

As the law takes effect, Marcos called on market participants and relevant agencies to ensure its benefits are felt across all sectors of society.

“Let us make it our mission to ensure that every Filipino will feel the full benefits of this law without delay,” he said, urging transparency, fairness, and good governance in its implementation.