Marcos Admin Proposes Tax Relief for Filipinos Affected by Middle East Crisis

MANILA, Philippines — The government is seeking sweeping tax relief measures aimed at protecting middle-class workers and small entrepreneurs affected by the lingering economic impact of the Middle East crisis. In his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) 2026, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government must not take the middle class and small business sector for granted as global uncertainties continue to pressure them. READ: WATCH: Marcos delivers fifth State of the Nation Address “To ensure the continued progress of the middle class amidst the lingering effects of the Middle East crisis, we will pursue tax relief measures to promote growth, generate revenue, and advance equity toward socio-economic sustainability,” the Chief Executive said. As part of the proposed measures, Marcos called on Congress to pass legislation that would provide relief to taxpayers and allow workers and entrepreneurs to retain more of their hard-earned income. The proposed tax reforms include: READ: BIR, BOC still upbeat on reaching 2026 goals Marcos said, “These measures will support economic resilience, encourage business growth, and promote a more sustainable and equitable tax system,” INQ