Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s push for the proposed Progress Bill, saying that meaningful tax reforms should ultimately ease the burden on ordinary Filipinos and provide greater opportunities for those who have long been left behind.
The senator said that any reforms to the country’s tax system must ensure economic growth for every Filipino family, particularly workers, farmers, fisherfolk, micro-entrepreneurs, and low-income households struggling with the rising cost of living.
“We welcome the Progress Bill as a step toward a tax system that is fair, equitable, and more responsive to the realities faced by ordinary Filipinos. Ating susuportahan ang anumang reporma na magiging daan para sa mga Pilipino na makapaguwi ng mas malaking bahagi ng kanilang mga sahod para sa kanilang mga pamilya,” he added.
During his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 27, President Marcos announced the crafting of a new tax reform package to recalibrate personal income taxes and provide relief measures to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The current tax brackets—which are particularly affecting workers earning between P30,000 and P80,000 monthly—have been in effect since 2018.
The President is proposing to increase the annual tax-exempt threshold to P350,000, while also pushing to remove the minimum corporate income tax for MSMEs and amnesty for non-payment of income, estate, donor, and value-added taxes, including their penalties.
But Pangilinan stressed the need to ensure that the tax reforms will translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives.
“Ang pamantayan ng kahit anong batas na ating ipinapasa ay kung napapaganda ba nito ang buhay ng mga Pilipino? Nakakatulong ba itong maglagay ng pagkain sa mga hapag-kainan? Nakakatulong ba ito na masiguradong nakakapagaral ang mga kabataan? At higit sa lahat, naaabot ba nito ang mga nasa laylayan?,” he said.
The senator also emphasized that any additional revenues generated through tax reforms should be invested wisely in programs that directly benefit the public. In particular, he wants to see more support for the country’s agriculture and fisheries sectors.
Pangilinan expressed his readiness to work with his colleagues in the Senate and the Marcos administration to ensure that the Progress Bill advances the principles of fairness, accountability, and inclusive economic growth.
“We welcome this initiative and look forward to carefully studying the measure in the Senate. Together, we can craft a tax system that is fairer, more compassionate, and truly responsive to the needs of every Filipino—especially those who need government the most,” he added.