THE PHILIPPINE Chamber of Cooperatives, Inc. (Coop Chamber) hailed the House of Representatives’ approval on Third and Final Reading of House Bill No. 9584, the Revised Cooperative Code of the Philippines, calling it a “transformative milestone for the nation’s grassroots economy.”
The landmark measure modernizes legal structures, equipping Filipino cooperatives to compete, innovate, and weather economic shifts while remaining member-owned and community-driven.
The Coop Chamber extended special recognition to Rep. Felimon “Emon” Espares (Coop NATCCO Party-List), chair of the House Committee on Cooperative Development, and his co-authors for championing the bill to the finish line.
“This isn’t just a legislative victory; it’s an economic game-changer for millions of everyday Filipinos,” said Noel D. Raboy, Chairperson of the Coop Chamber. “HB 9584 gives cooperatives the modern tools and regulatory flexibility needed to thrive in today’s economy. We deeply appreciate Cong. Emon Espares and the House leadership for recognizing that a stronger cooperative sector means a stronger Philippine economy.”
“However, as we celebrate this progress, we must also protect the very soul of the movement,” as further emphasized by Chairperson Raboy. “As discussions move forward to Senate Bill No. 1431 and the crafting of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), the Coop Chamber remains steadfast in its diplomatic opposition to any form of Share Voting. Modernization must strengthen, not dilute, our Cooperative Identity. We advocate to strictly preserve the sacred principle of ‘1 Member, 1 Vote’ for primary cooperatives, and ‘1 Co-op, 1 Vote’ for federations and secondary cooperatives. Capital must serve the community, not dictate governance.”
While acknowledging the good intent to attract growth capital, the Coop Chamber respectfully asserts that tying voting power to financial equity risks shifting the sector toward a corporate model. Cooperatives derive their strength from democratic equity, equality, and shared responsibility, where every voice carries equal weight regardless of financial status.
The full statement is hereto attached.
We’d like to ask your good office to share this press release (hereto attached) on your website and any other social media accounts you may have.
For further concerns, you could get in touch with the Secretary General at edwin.bustillos1010@gmail.com for more details. You may also email us at coopchamber.ph@gmail.com
About the Philippine Chamber of Cooperatives, Inc. (Coop Chamber). The Coop Chamber is the national umbrella organization and unified voice of primary cooperatives in the Philippines. Founded by the country’s leading cooperatives, it serves as the principal advocate for the sector’s sustainability, protecting the rights and privileges of cooperatives as engines of economic growth and social justice.
Thank you.
Respectfully yours,
Edwin A. Bustillos
Secretary-General
