New tax law threatens 150,000 jobs in Philippines

At least 1,200 firms in the Philippines might pull out from investing due to the sudden shift in policy, resulting in 150,000 jobs at stake.
By: | December 10, 2018
Topics: Asia-Pacific | Employment Law | News | Philippines

 

Filipino Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon has said that the removal of incentives under the government’s proposed second package of tax reform will lead to job losses.

He also unveiled, during a Senate interpellation of the 2019 budget of the Department of Trade and Industry that 150,000 jobs are at risk owing to the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion 2 (TRAIN 2).

These incentives have been granted by top investment promoting agencies such as the Board of Investment and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

Additionally, Drilon said that at least 1,200 firms might pull out from investing due to the sudden shift in the policy.

According to Drilon, the government relies heavily on incentives to entice firms to invest in the Philippines, but once TRAIN 2 is passed, everything will be in jeopardy.