The Development Administration Committee (DevAdCom) of Regional Development Council (RDC) IX conducted its 2nd quarter meeting on June 9 at Garden Orchid Hotel, Zamboanga City. The meeting was chaired by Director Paisal O. Abutazil of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) IX.
During the meeting, the committee endorsed to RDC IX, Resolution No. 5, series of 2015 and Resolution No. 6, series of 2015 of RDC VI supporting Senate Bill No. 1942 “An Act Adjusting the Level of Net Taxable Income and Nominal Tax Rates for Purposes of Promoting the Individual Income Tax Amending section 24 (A) (2) of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as Amended and for Other Purposes”, and Senate Bill No. 2217 “An Act Exempting Start-Up Enterprises from Taxes arising from the First Two Years of Operation”. These bills were filed by Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” A. Aquino IV in the 16th Congress.
Senate Bill No. 1942 seeks to adjust the levels of net taxable income and simplify the nominal tax rates for the purposes of computing the individual income tax on 2013 prices. It proposes to effectively lower the taxes on the Filipino working class which comprises around 22 million of the Philippine population. Specifically, it proposes to exempt individuals with taxable income of not over sixty thousand pesos. It also seeks to adjust the tax level of the upper one percent of taxpayers, making sure that the government is able to collect larger share of income from those who can afford to pay more.
On the other hand, Senate Bill No. 2217 aims to encourage Start-Up Enterprises to get organized, establish their business operations and market base and providing these enterprises the proper time to stand on their own. It proposes to exempt start-up enterprises from all national and local taxes for the first two years of their operations.
The committee also endorsed the 2014 Regional Development Report, particularly the chapters on Stable Macroeconomic Environment, Governance and the Rule of Law and Peace and Security.
Mr. PJ Dela Cruz of the DILG IX said that there was an influx of foreign nationals in the region. The DOLE already issued a total of 20 permits for employment to foreigners in 2014 adding that the number of foreigners seeking employment in the region is expected to increase in the coming years due to the ASEAN Integration.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mewchun WS. Pamaran of the PSA IX conducted a briefing about the 2015 Census of Population emphasizing its significance to all of the country’s development efforts. The updated population figures of all barangays in the country shall serve as basis in the formulation of social and economic development plans, policies and programs, among others. Thus, she enjoined the support and participation of everyone in this endeavor.
The authority and mandate of the PSA IX to conduct the POPCEN 2015 emanates from Republic Act No. 10625 and Executive Order No. 352. The census reference date for the POPCEN 2015 will be on August 1, 2015.
