Former Interior Secretary and senatorial hopeful Atty. Benhur Abalos Jr. marked Labor Day with a call to ease the financial burden on Filipino workers by pushing for a higher income tax exemption and broader labor benefits.
Abalos said the current ₱250,000 annual income tax exemption, set under the 2018 TRAIN Law, no longer reflects the reality of today’s rising prices and inflation. “We need to review the threshold for income tax exemption. Prices have soared, and wages are not catching up,” he said, noting that electricity rates in the country are now among the highest in Southeast Asia.
He also highlighted that while the law exempts up to ₱90,000 in 13th month pay and benefits, this limit has not been updated since it was introduced, further affecting take-home pay.
If elected senator, Abalos vowed to review the TRAIN Law and push to raise the exemption threshold to help low- and middle-income earners. “This would provide immediate relief and give workers more breathing room,” he said in Filipino.
Beyond tax reforms, Abalos also wants to champion the rights of government workers under job order or service contract schemes, who often miss out on benefits given to regular employees. He believes they deserve at least a gratuity bonus. “When I was a mayor, I tried to give them even a small incentive, but it wasn’t allowed. That needs to change,” he stressed.
Abalos added that labor policies should evolve to match the modern workplace, especially with the rise of remote work after the pandemic. He called for an updated review of rules on leave credits, telecommuting, and insurance to better fit the needs of today’s workforce.
“Filipino workers are the heart of our economy — from our farms to our hospitals. We must give them the dignity and support they truly deserve,” he said.
