PRESS RELEASE
August 10, 2026
NEWS FLASH / KEY TAKEAWAYS:
o What happened: House Bill No. 9584 (Revised Cooperative Code) passed its 3rd & Final Reading in the House of Representatives.
o Why it matters: Modernizes the economic and operational landscape for millions of Filipino co-op members nationwide.
o Core Advocacy:The Coop Chamber firmly advocates for maintaining equal democratic voting (1 member, 1 vote in primary co-ops, and 1 co-op, vote in federations/secondary categories) to safeguard the movement against share voting and corporate influence.
o What’s next: Sector calls on the Senate to advance Senate Bill No. 1431 and pledges active, constructive participation in crafting the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Philippine Chamber of Cooperatives, Inc. (Coop Chamber) today 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 coauthors 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.
As the legislative process shifts to the Senate and the subsequent executive rule-making, the Coop Chamber outlines three strategic priorities:
- Senate Collaboration: Supporting the swift, thoughtful passage of counterpart measure Senate Bill No. 1431.
- Safeguarding Democratic Governance: Ensuring the law and its IRR strictly uphold Cooperative Principle No. 2 (Democratic Member Control) by opposing share voting mechanisms
- Inclusive Operational Rules: Actively contributing to an IRR that balances modern business efficiency with the protection of smaller primary cooperatives.
“Economic growth and democratic governance are not opposing forces in cooperativism; they are two sides of the same coin,” Vice Chairperson Marlene D. Sindayen added. “We can build high-tech, highly competitive enterprise networks while keeping power firmly in the hands of the general membership.”
Mabuhay ang Kilusang Kooperatiba! Mabuhay!
FAST FACTS FOR EDITORS:
o The Measure: House Bill No. 9584 (Revised Cooperative Code of the Philippines)
o House Champion: Rep. Felimon “Emon” Espares (Coop NATCCO Party-List)
o Senate Counterpart: Senate Bill No. 1431 (Chaired by Senator Imee R. Marcos)
o Key Focus: Modernizing business capabilities while upholding Cooperative Principle No. 2 (Democratic Member Control).
o Sector Impact: Directly affects thousands of registered cooperatives and millions of member-owners across agriculture, transport, credit, consumer, and service sectors nationwide.
ABOUT THE COOP CHAMBER:
The Philippine Chamber of Cooperatives, Inc. (Coop Chamber) serves as the unified voice of the business and enterprise side of the Philippine cooperative movement, advocating for sustainable growth, competitive policy, and the preservation of cooperative identity.
MEDIA CONTACT: EDWIN A BUSTILLOS, Secretary-General
Philippine Chamber of Cooperatives, Inc. (Coop Chamber)
Email: coopchamber.ph@gmail.com
Mobile: 09178017309
Website: https://coopchamberph.org
