President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is pushing for the swift passage of the administration’s proposed tax reform package this year, ensuring the new measures provide tax relief while shielding low- and middle-income Filipinos from additional financial burdens.
During a press briefing at Malacañang, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that the Department of Finance (DOF) is currently refining the details of the proposed Progress Bill alongside other key revenue measures.
“The Department of Finance is currently finalizing the proposal. President Marcos is fully aware of the ongoing review and wants these reforms passed as quickly as possible—ideally within this year,” Castro stated.
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Targeted Consumption Taxes: The planned tax adjustments will primarily focus on luxury goods—such as high-end motor vehicles—rather than everyday consumer goods used by average earners.
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Public Health & Environmental Initiatives: Proposed duties on sugary beverages, single-use plastics, and vape products are designed not only for revenue generation but to actively discourage habits harmful to public health and the environment.
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Middle-Class Support & Relief: Responding to concerns regarding the tax burden on middle-income workers, the Palace highlighted existing and expanding government relief initiatives.
The Palace emphasized that the administration continues to roll out programs directly benefiting middle-class families, even ahead of the new tax legislation. Existing initiatives include the Zero Balance Billing program in public hospitals and discounted fares on major mass transit systems like the LRT and MRT.
Building on commitments outlined in his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Marcos’ broader economic strategy includes:
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Lowering electricity costs across residential sectors.
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Expanding tax relief and targeted incentives for working families.
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Broadening healthcare benefits and accelerating access to medical and financial assistance.
The proposed reforms remain a central pillar of President Marcos’ vision to build a sustainable fiscal foundation while delivering improved public services and meaningful financial ease to every Filipino household.
