(MANILA BULLETIN)

On Labor Day, Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidate Benhur Abalos batted for higher income tax exemption levels, as he reckoned that workers deserve greater financial relief amid continuing inflation and high utility costs.

Specifically. Abalos said the current tax exemption threshold—set at ₱250,000 annually under the 2018 Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law—must be reevaluated based on present economic conditions.

“We could review this in the light of inflation and other factors. Para mas tumaas ang ating threshold of exemption (So that we'll have a higher threshold of exemption),” said the former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary.

He noted that many workers are now struggling with higher prices and steep electricity bills. “We need to increase the income tax exemption threshold, because the current rate no longer reflects the economic realities faced by Filipino workers. Ang taas ng bilihin. Ang kuryente natin pangalawa sa pinakamahal sa Timog Silangang Asya."

(The prices of goods are high. Our electricity rates are the second most expensive in Southeast Asia.)

Abalos, who also served as Mandaluyong City mayor, explained that under the TRAIN Law, individuals earning ₱250,000 or less yearly—along with minimum wage earners—are exempt from paying income tax. Additionally, 13th month pay and bonuses up to ₱90,000 are not taxed.

Still, he believes the tax provisions must be reviewed to increase the take home pay of Filipino workers.

Abalos also took the opportunity to honor Filipino workers, describing them as the lifeblood of the economy.

“Walang takbo ang ekonomiya kung wala ang manggagawang Pilipino — sila ang haligi ng bawat industriya, mula sa bukid hanggang sa pabrika, mula sa ospital hanggang sa paaralan,” he said.

(The economy cannot function without Filipino workers—they are the backbone of every industry, from the fields to the factories, from the hospitals to the schools.)

“Kaya sa araw na ito, hindi lang natin sila pinasasalamatan — ipinaglalaban din natin ang karapat-dapat na benepisyo para sa kanila. Panahon na para itaas ang antas ng pagkalinga sa manggagawa," added Abalos.

(So, on this day, we not only thank them—we also fight for the rightful benefits they deserve. It is time to elevate the level of care for our workers.)