VAT refund for foreign tourists to revitalize tourism industry, drive economic growth

The proposed implementation of the value-added tax (VAT) refund program for foreign tourists could potentially revitalize the local tourism industry which in turn could help drive overall economic growth, Senator Win Gatchalian said.   The chairman of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means said that the estimated foregone revenue from the implementation of the […]

Ease requirements for distributing centenarians’ benefits

Senator Win Gatchalian wants eased requirements and improved efficiency in the distribution of benefits to be awarded to centenarians.   In a public hearing on the proposed amendments to the Centenarians Act of 2016 (Republic Act No. 10868), Gatchalian shared the experience of a constituent who applied for the P100,000 cash gift in 2021. The […]

Social costs of POGO operations outweigh economic benefits

Senator Win Gatchalian said that the social costs of allowing Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) in the country outweigh the economic benefits, citing a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) conducted on the industry.   Based on the CBA, the social and economic costs and ills attributed to POGOs such as crimes, tax evasion, corruption, foregone foreign direct […]

Expansion of online filing of tax returns for overseas Filipino workers

Senator Win Gatchalian is pushing for the expansion overseas of online filing of tax returns or e-filing in a bid to provide ease and convenience for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in fulfilling their obligation such as in payment of real estate tax and estate tax, among others.   “Electronic filing would make it easier for […]

Agriculture information system to prevent price manipulation of food prices

Senator Win Gatchalian is strongly pushing for the adoption of an agriculture information system (AIS) to deter price manipulation of food prices, such as in the case of onion, which has recently seen record levels.   Gatchalian said that an agriculture information system could prevent any artificial shortages that hoarders may possibly take advantage of […]

Create more Kadiwa Centers, bring farm products closer to consumers

Senator Win Gatchalian proposes the establishment of more Kadiwa Centers to bring agricultural products closer to consumers and subsequently lower food prices to more affordable levels.   “Para matugunan nang maayos ang problema sa mataas na presyo at kakulangan ng mga produktong pang-agrikultura, tulad ng sibuyas, kailangang mabigyan ng sapat na suporta ang mga magsasaka […]

Go after big-time smugglers of agricultural products

Senator Win Gatchalian called on all agencies concerned to go after smugglers of agricultural commodities and protect local farmers from unwarranted competition.   “Kaliwa’t kanan ang mga nakukumpiskang produktong smuggled pero wala pang nahuhuling malaking isda. Dapat masawata ang mismong mga “big fish” upang mahinto o mabawasan na ang iligal na pag-aangkat ng mga produkto,” […]

Enhance consumer protection amid frenzied Christmas shopping

As consumer spending accelerates ahead of Christmas and New Year festivities, Senator Win Gatchalian is seeking to amend the Consumer Act of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 7394) to strengthen the rights of consumers and enhance measures designed to protect them.   “It is important that consumers are empowered to make well-informed decisions as they […]

Implementation woes hound law on Filipino competitiveness and employability

Despite the enactment of Republic Act No. 10968 or the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) Act to make Filipinos more competitive and employable, a strategic plan for its implementation is yet to be implemented.   Senator Win Gatchalian flagged this in Proposed Senate Resolution No. 15, which seeks an inquiry on the status of the implementation […]