Philippine House Panel Approves Tax Exemption for Athletes' Winnings

A House of Representatives panel on Wednesday approved a measure seeking to exempt Filipino national athletes and coaches from taxes on rewards and incentives they receive from international sports competition. In a statement, Leyte Rep. Richard I. Gomez said that the House Committee on Ways and Means approved the tax provision under a substitute bill expanding the benefits provided under Republic Act No. 10699, or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act. “Rewards earned by athletes for bringing honor to the Philippines should reach them in full,” Mr. Gomez said, adding that legitimate private sector support for their international campaigns should likewise be encouraged through targeted tax incentives. Under the proposed provision, incentives, rewards, bonuses and other emoluments received by national athletes and coaches for competing in or winning international sports competitions would be exempt from national and local taxes, fees and charges. The measure would also allow donations, gifts, endowments and contributions intended for athletes’ training and competition-related expenses to be treated as allowable deductions from the donor’s gross income. In a separate statement, Marikina Rep. Romero “Miro” S. Quimbo said that the Ways and Means Committee also approved a measure seeking to grant hazard pay to public prosecutors exposed to dangerous situations and risks in connection with the cases they handle. “We recognize the indispensable roles of our prosecutors in the pursuit of justice, hence this measure seeks to recognize the risks they face in the performance of their duties through appropriate hazard pay,” Mr. Quimbo said. The measure covers prosecutors handling cases that may place them in situations involving heightened risks. — Pexcel John Bacon