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128-563: The TRAIN Act is the first of four packages of tax reforms to the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, or the Tax Code, as amended. This package introduced changes in personal income tax (PIT), estate tax, donor's tax, value added tax (VAT), documentary stamp tax (DST) and the excise tax of tobacco products, petroleum products, mineral products, automobiles, sweetened beverages, and cosmetic procedures. The prominent features of

256-606: A "country-wide" overview of income inequality and does not account for factors like location or occupational sources of income. Critics also point out that it disregards household size and the different needs of households, such as raising children or providing for retirement. Other measures, like the Atkinson index or the Theil index , have been proposed to address some of these limitations but have their own subjective parameters, making them less scientific. Economist Amartya Sen advocates for

384-480: A Chinese mafia group aided by corrupt officials from the immigration bureau. A few months before, her Senate investigations also found that Chinese groups were trafficking Filipinos in Myanmar. The investigations have led to the rescue of multiple Filipino victims. In May 2023, Hontiveros visited Taipei , Taiwan , to meet with President Tsai Ing-wen and Foreign Minister Joseph Wu amid China's perceived aggression in

512-404: A Senate investigation on Apollo Quiboloy , leader of religious cult Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) and a close ally of former president Rodrigo Duterte. The investigations concluded that Quiboloy, accused of sexual trafficking and sexual abuse, had abused numerous minors, including children, throughout his cult's operations, and has also committed money laundering. The cult leader is also wanted in

640-654: A Senate resolution calling for a ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) due to their alleged tax evasion and other illegal activities. Despite her efforts, a 2021 Duterte-backed law regulated and expanded POGOs. Hontiveros co-authored the Bangsamoro Organic Law , which formally established the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to promote peace in Mindanao. The law

768-496: A broader evaluation of human welfare beyond income, emphasizing capabilities and functionings as important considerations. Personal income can be categorized into various types, including wages , rent, interest, profit, proprietor's income, and transfer payments. While many people commonly associate personal income with wages and salaries, there are several other sources that contribute to an individual's total income. A second method of calculating personal income involves adjusting

896-495: A budget hearing, Hontiveros grilled the ₱ 500 million confidential fund sought by Vice President Sara Duterte for her office operations. On the same month, a separate investigation in the House found that Duterte spent ₱ 125 million pesos in confidential funds from her previous budget in only 11 days. Hontiveros has criticized the vice president's spending spree which utilized millions of pesos in confidential funds. On November 7, after

1024-950: A household that encouraged outspoken yet respectful dialogue. Hontiveros belongs to prominent Filipino families. Her paternal lineage includes Jose Hontiveros , a former senator and associate justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines , while her aunts and uncles include National Artists Hontiveros Avellana and Lamberto V. Avellana , Jesuit priest and liturgical music pioneer Eduardo Hontiveros , and Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) founder Nita Hontiveros-Lichauco . Her siblings include journalists Pia Hontiveros -Pagkalinawan and sustainability executive Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, while her extended family includes notable figures such as singer Leah Navarro , Cebu City Vice Mayor Dondon Hontiveros , and musician Barbie Almalbis . She attended St. Scholastica's College , where she joined

1152-449: A journalist and became pen pals with Philippine Military Academy cadet Francisco Baraquel Jr., who later became her husband. Hontiveros graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in social sciences in 1987. After graduation, Hontiveros pursued careers in journalism and teaching. She worked for networks IBC and GMA Network , co-anchoring programs like Firing Line and Headline Trese . She also served as Secretary-General of

1280-517: A larger contribution towards GDP growth. As such, revenue effort grew by 0.91%. In addition, public construction expanded by 25.1%, thus boosting GDP growth by 0.4%. On the other hand, government consumption increased by 13.6%, contributing an incremental 1.4% to the growth of the GDP. "'Strong macroeconomic fundamentals backed by tax reforms and the Build, build, build program will continue to boost economic growth to

1408-513: A national poverty reduction program where conditional cash transfers were directed towards impoverished families. On June 2019, Hontiveros again marched with her allies during the annual pride parade, advocating for the passage of the SOGIE Equality Bill for the 18th Congress. More than 70,000 participants attended, almost three times larger than the previous year. On July 19, 2019, Duterte's Solicitor General, Arroyo-ally Jose Calida , and

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1536-457: A person's appearance are now subject to a tax of 5%. However, procedures necessary to ameliorate a deformity arising from, or directly related to a congenital or developmental defect or abnormality, a personal injury resulting to an accident or trauma, or disfiguring disease, tumor, virus or infection are tax -exempted. The excise tax on cigarettes aims to reduce the amount of smokers and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases one can catch from

1664-449: A primary exception. Over time, personal income tax schedules have changed, leading to flatter tax rates and increased progressivity in some countries. Various countries have implemented measures to make the tax system more attractive for low-income groups and spouses, thereby increasing the overall progressivity of the personal income tax. The role of personal income tax in the total tax revenue differs across countries, and its progressivity

1792-590: A series of Senate investigations led by Hontiveros exposed a religious cult in Socorro that physically, emotionally, and sexually abused locals, notably children, the government formally filed cases against the cult's leaders, saving multiple child victims in the process. On the same month, Hontiveros filed a resolution urging the government to cooperate with the drug war investigations of the International Criminal Court (ICC). In March 2024, Hontiveros led

1920-528: A simple yet informative measure for evaluating income distribution within societies. As of 2021, Costa Rica has the highest Gini coefficient among OECD countries at 0.479, while the Slovak Republic has the lowest at 0.236. Globally, South Africa has the highest Gini coefficient at 0.63, attributed to various factors such as historical apartheid , high unemployment, underdeveloped education, and significant population growth. The Gini coefficient provides

2048-457: Is a Filipino politician, community leader, and journalist serving as a Senator since 2016. She previously served as a party-list representative for Akbayan from 2004 to 2010. In the Senate, Hontiveros sponsored the SOGIE Equality Bill and was an opposition figure to President Rodrigo Duterte , particularly on his controversial war on drugs . She is the de facto leader of the opposition to

2176-739: Is a component of national income that households receive and derive from production. National income is generated by these production aspects. Personal income refers to the money received by factors of production, whereas national income represents the income generated by these factors. The income of the government sector is considered as part of national income but not included in personal income calculations. Additionally, certain components, such as companies' undistributed profits and corporate profit taxes, are accounted for in national income but must be excluded from personal income calculations. Conversely, windfall gains, which are not part of national income, are included in personal income. Furthermore, interest on

2304-686: Is also an economic entity that governs the consumption of goods produced in the economy and provides the social economy with available resources. The socio-economic significance of personal income has become particularly pronounced in recent years, coinciding with the development of consumer credit. According to E. A. Maznaya, the household should be regarded as a system of economic relations between individuals and society and among people who pool their budgets and collectively make decisions. Individuals form these economic relations to meet their needs and sustain their living conditions. Personal income, which encompasses household and family finances, pertains to

2432-712: Is credited as the original measure that led to the TRAIN Act. It was endorsed by the Department of Finance (DOF) to the Philippine House of Representatives on September 26, 2016 as the first package of a wider CTRP. It was filed before the legislature on January 17, 2017, by Congressman Dakila Cua of Quirino . Cua is also the chairperson of the Ways and Means Committee of the Congress which deals on taxation. After thirteen hearings which

2560-480: Is generally considered the most progressive tax , meaning that higher-income individuals are taxed at higher rates compared to lower-income individuals. However, there are variations in tax systems across countries, with some taxes like social security contributions, consumption taxes, and real estate taxes being regressive in many places. Additionally, tax expenditures associated with personal income tax tend to benefit wealthier individuals, with in-work tax credits being

2688-465: Is not the sole determinant of happiness. Other factors, such as social connections, health, and personal fulfillment, also play crucial roles in overall well-being. Personal income tax is a tax levied on income earned by individuals, and its rates are adjusted according to the jurisdiction of each country. It serves as a significant source of revenue for the government, which is then utilized for funding public goods and services. The personal income tax

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2816-458: Is now reduced to 6% based on the net value of the property. It also has a standard deduction of ₱5 million as well as a ₱10 million exemption on the family home. The donor tax is also reduced to 6% of the net donations for gifts above ₱250,000 yearly. The government's aim to elevate the less fortunate in the Philippines and drive development is exemplified as the TRAIN repeals 54 out of 61 of

2944-414: Is relatively limited compared to other taxes like social security contributions. Wages and employment influence tax revenues from personal income tax, and they are affected by social-related expenditures. Tax expenditures have been utilized as tools to promote social and economic objectives, with preferential treatments in housing, pensions, education, and health expenses being among the areas targeted. In

3072-453: Is to arrange individuals or households in ascending order of incomes and divide them into distinct groups, such as quintiles or deciles. This allows for a clear assessment of income distribution within different groups and helps identify underlying causes and effects. One popular measure used to visualize income inequality is the Kuznets ratio, which compares the share of total income received by

3200-646: The 2004 national elections . She was one of the prominent opposition figures during the Gloria Macapagal Arroyo administration , especially throughout the height of the Hello Garci controversy . During International Women's Day in 2006, she was arrested and brought to Camp Caringal in Quezon City without a warrant by civilian-clothed government agents of President Gloria Arroyo. Various lawmakers, including Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago , have called

3328-583: The 2016 national elections after public surveys indicated she had a strong chance of winning. She ran under the administration ticket, Koalisyon ng Daang Matuwid . Risa Hontiveros won a Senate seat in the 2016 election , placing ninth. She was proclaimed on May 19, 2016, by the Commission on Elections and took her oath at the Cebu Provincial Capitol . As a senator, Hontiveros spearheaded significant legislative initiatives. In 2017, she authored

3456-572: The Armed Forces of the Philippines and police later dismissed. That same month, Hontiveros exposed a ₱2-billion "tara" ( grease payment ) system within the National Food Authority under its head, military general Jason Aquino. She also championed legislative efforts to protect public spaces, with the Senate approving her proposed Safe Streets and Public Spaces Act of 2017, which criminalized street harassment. Signed into law in 2019, it

3584-585: The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group filed charges against Hontiveros and other members of the opposition for "sedition, cyber libel, libel, estafa , harboring a criminal, and obstruction of justice ". She was cleared of all charges on February 10, 2020. On July 24, Hontiveros pushed for the passage of the National Land Use Act, which would better protect farmers and the environment. In October 2019, Hontiveros renewed her call for

3712-504: The Duterte administration , namely, to eradicate extreme poverty, to create inclusive institutions that will offer equal opportunities to all, and to achieve higher income country status. It is also aimed at making the tax system simpler, fairer and more efficient. Regardless, contentions about the passing of this law has been present since the beginning and the subsequent reception by the people since its ratification has been controversial. In

3840-537: The HIV and AIDS Policy Act of 2018, which expanded access to HIV services and testing, earning praise from the World Health Organization . She also filed a bill to legalize divorce in the Philippines , which garnered public support according to a Social Weather Stations survey. Hontiveros opposed lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility , which Duterte initially wanted to be nine years of age. She

3968-470: The International Criminal Court to launch an investigation into the alleged crimes. In September 2017, during Senate inquiries, Hontiveros exposed then-Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II for conspiring to fabricate charges against her. Media captured Aguirre texting instructions to 'expedite' cases through former representative Jacinto Paras , a tactic previously used to arrest Senator Leila de Lima . Despite public backlash and evidence presented in

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4096-709: The LGBTQ community in August 2016. Additionally, she authored the Speech Pathology Law, regulating the profession and requiring board examinations. Hontiveros consistently advocated for gender equality , anti-violence measures, and social protection laws. She filed legislation addressing gender-based violence , harassment , and support for marginalized sectors such as farmers, fisherfolk, indigenous peoples , and informal settlers . She also stood firm on national sovereignty issues, urging President Rodrigo Duterte to assert

4224-546: The Makabayan bloc . A version of the bill was filed in the Senate in March 2017 by Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III . By May 2017 six public hearings were conducted by the senate. The Senate had to wait for the House of Representatives version to get passed before it could start plenary discussions like other bills on budget or tax and appropriations. The Senate voted 17–1 to approve

4352-611: The Mental Health Law , which integrates mental health services into the Philippine public health system, ensuring availability in hospitals nationwide. She strengthened the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law in 2017, increasing penalties for hospitals demanding deposits before administering emergency care. Hontiveros also championed the SOGIE Equality Bill , holding the first Senate hearing on anti-discrimination legislation for

4480-560: The SOGIE Equality Bill ). In June 2009, Hontiveros marched with the LGBTQ community to denounce the Commission on Election's decision to not accredit Ladlad , the world's first LGBT partylist. In November 2009, the Maguindanao massacre occurred, where 58 people (including 34 journalists) were killed in Ampatuan , Maguindanao del Sur . Hontiveros called for justice for the victims, calling

4608-521: The administration of President Bongbong Marcos , following the end of Vice President Leni Robredo 's term. Since 2024, Hontiveros also co-hosts the radio program Oras at Bayan on Veritas 846 . Ana Theresia Navarro Hontiveros was born on February 24, 1966, in Manila , to a Panay Visayan lawyer and a Caviteño - Mindoreño Tagalog executive secretary. Raised in Merville , Parañaque , she grew up in

4736-743: The murders of Kian delos Santos, Carl Arnaiz, and Reynaldo de Guzman , Hontiveros vocally opposed President Duterte's deadly drug war . She initiated Senate investigations into the police personnel involved in Delos Santos' killing and provided legal custody for witnesses with proper consent, shielding them from potential police retaliation. These investigations exposed widespread extrajudicial killings that targeted civilians, including children, with some victims allegedly tortured and intentionally displayed to instill fear in communities. By 2018, reports estimated up to 30,000 deaths in Duterte's drug war, prompting

4864-599: The 2023 pride march, calling for the passage of the SOGIE Equality Bill . The march was attended by over 110,000 participants, becoming the largest pride march in Southeast Asia. In July 2023, Hontiveros filed a resolution urging the government to declare July 12 as West Philippine Sea Victory Day, in commemoration of the Philippine victory in the South China Sea Arbitration case. In September 2023, during

4992-448: The 9.7 percent nominal gross domestic product (GDP) growth." Departments that saw immediate benefits from Package 1 include the Bureau of Internal Revenue and Bureau of Customs, both with a 14.2% and 24.7% increase in revenue. This translates to ₱423.1 billion and ₱129.8 for both departments respectively. Other government departments were able to expand their investment and growths during

5120-581: The Arroyo government's 18 "agribusiness" deals with China in 2007, at least one million hectares of Philippine forest land territories would be leased to China for 50 years, an unprecedented violation of the Constitution and the country's national integrity. Hontiveros also criticized President Arroyo's Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking (JMSU) agreement, wherein 148,886 square kilometers of Philippine maritime territory would be interfered and exploited by China. Due to

5248-540: The BSP's 2–4 percent target range." According to the PSA, headline inflation "peaked at 5.2 percent for the same month. For the previous months, inflation was pegged at 4.6 percent and in the same period in 2017, 2.5 percent." Personal income tax In economics , personal income refers to the total earnings of an individual from various sources such as wages , investment ventures, and other sources of income. It encompasses all

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5376-541: The Cheaper and Quality Medicines Law which drastically lowered the cost of medicines in the country, and the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms (CARPER) Law which gave thousands of poor Filipino farmers their own agricultural lands, among many others. She also participated in the early pride marches calling for the passage of the anti-discrimination bill (later called

5504-697: The Coalition for Peace, advocating for peace zones and leading discussions on socio-economic reforms in peace talks with the National Democratic Front. For her work, she received the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Award for Peace and Advocacy in 2001 and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005. Hontiveros first entered politics as the third nominee of the Akbayan party-list in

5632-589: The Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, principally authored by Hontiveros and mandates government to give aid to all solo parents, lapsed and formally became law. Hontiveros sought re-election as a senator in the 2022 election under Team Robredo–Pangilinan , the main opposition ticket. She was also named as a guest candidate of the Labor and Ecology Advocates for Democracy (LEAD) senatorial slate of Leody de Guzman , another presidential candidate. She

5760-663: The Glee Club and participated in musical theater, including Repertory Philippines' The Sound of Music . Encouraged by her mother, she became socially aware at a young age, attending a Nuclear Free Philippines Coalition Symposium and organizing a campaign against the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant . In college at the Ateneo de Manila University , Hontiveros became active in the student council, advocating for peace and justice for marginalized communities. While studying, she worked as

5888-622: The Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act, co-sponsored by Hontiveros, was enacted into law. The measure provided financial aid and other pathways for the citizens in Marawi to rebuild their city in the aftermath of the deadly Marawi siege. In May 2022, the Foundling Recognition and Protection Act of senator Hontiveros was passed into law, providing rights to thousands of children abandoned by their parents. In June 2022,

6016-706: The National Income by considering earned but unpaid income and received but not earned income: PI = NI + Earned but Unpaid Income + Received but not Earned Income Personal income significantly affects an individual's well-being and living conditions. A higher personal income generally indicates higher welfare and better living standards for the average person. As a result, individuals often seek ways to increase their income to afford more goods and improve their overall quality of life. Increasing personal income can lead to greater happiness. However, although rising income has been linked to improved moods and life assessments, it

6144-623: The Personal Income Tax (PIT)for all taxpayers except the rich". Effectively, personal taxes will be reduced for 99% of the Philippine tax payers. The new PIT is summarized in the table below Additionally, minimum-wage earners are still exempted from PIT. The Law also ensures a minimum wage earner who incurs a small raise will not have his overall salary (with the PIT deducted) less than minimum wage. Also, married couples where both parties are working may be exempted up to ₱500,000. This does not include

6272-565: The Philippines could become a " province of China ", unauthorized landings of Chinese military aircraft in Davao , the harassment of Filipino fishermen by the Chinese Coast Guard , and the administration's refusal to enforce the South China Sea Arbitration ruling. Her stance drew attacks from pro-Duterte bloggers and bots spreading fake news , prompting fact-checkers and news networks to denounce these tactics. In April 2018, she filed

6400-781: The Philippines from China's aggression in the South China Sea amid territorial disputes . She also called on the government to speed up the digital infrastructure support for MSMEs during the pandemic. By the end of August, she advocated for the Office of the President to drop the Chinese firms involved in building military installations in the territories of the Philippines in the South China Sea. On September 7, 2020, Hontiveros criticized Duterte's declaration of absolute pardon for United States Marine Joseph Scott Pemberton, who has been convicted in

6528-492: The Philippines was intensified beginning in 2016 during the pro-China pivot of former President Duterte. Senator Hontiveros has called on President Marcos to formally ban POGOs in numerous occasions, a call which was later heeded. In July 2024, Hontiveros appealed to the government again to fast-track the reparations for Filipino victims of sexual slavery during the Japanese occupation, also known as " comfort women ". Many of

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6656-558: The Philippines' rights in the South China Sea following the favorable South China Sea Arbitration ruling. A vocal critic of authoritarianism, Hontiveros opposed the burial of Ferdinand Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayani , describing it as a failure to uphold historical justice. She opposed the re-imposition of the death penalty and denounced the 2017 arrest of Senator Leila de Lima , calling it political persecution. Following

6784-496: The Philippines. Hontiveros stressed the importance of adopting a "peaceful approach" in resolving the South China Sea dispute and expressed her dedication to engaging in diplomatic, legal, and "respectful" negotiations with all relevant states "to advance peace and stability in the entire South China Sea ." Hontiveros opposed the establishment of the Maharlika Investment Fund , the proposed sovereign wealth fund for

6912-550: The Philippines. On May 31, 2023, she became the only senator who voted against the bill proposing its creation, which President Bongbong Marcos certified as urgent a week prior. Hontiveros explained that, while she believed that the country needed a new form of public financing , proposing a sovereign wealth fund was premature and more suitable in the medium term once the Philippine economy has commodity-based surpluses or surpluses from external trade from state-owned enterprises . In June 2023, she again rallied her allies during

7040-474: The Senate version on December 11, 2017, and prepared a report after for ratification of both chambers of the Congress and signing of the President. the House of Representatives and the Senate ratified the version of the bill prepared by the Bicameral Conference Committee on December 13, 2017. President Duterte exercised his veto power to void 5 provisions of the law. The provisions vetoed were

7168-422: The Senate, Aguirre still pursued charges against her. That same month, Duterte allies in the House of Representatives slashed the Commission on Human Rights budget to just ₱1,000 (approximately $ 20) following its criticism of the drug war. Hontiveros joined other senators in negotiating to restore the budget, which was reinstated after widespread public outcry and Senate appeals. In December 2017, Hontiveros

7296-576: The TRAIN Law affects with its first package are "Growth in the Economy", "Employment Generation", and "Effect on Inflation". The DOF projects the economy to grow by 1.3% by 2022 with a 0.42% inflation due to the excise tax increase (this is still within the 2–4% target inflation by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP); it also predicts to create half a million jobs over the next ten years, and eight million over

7424-561: The TRAIN Law will be properly allocated for the development of the Philippines as a nation. These are the Tax Administration , Ear Making , Infrastructure Projects , and Social Programs . Steps to modernize and refine the tax administration processes are undertaken to support the changes in tax policy so as to improve security against tax crimes and to ensure taxpayer compliance. On top of improving electronic systems (e.g. eBIR forms, Electronic Filing and Payment System, mobile payments)

7552-412: The TRAIN Law. Firstly, the documentary stamp tax was increased by 100% except on loans with only 50% increase, but not for savings, property, and non-life insurance. Secondly, the final tax on foreign currency deposit unit (FCDU) was increased from 7.5% to 15% of interest income. Thirdly, capital gains tax of non-traded stock was increased from 5% to 10% of final net gains. Finally, the stock transaction tax

7680-414: The TRAIN as "urgent" allowed the bill to get passed the second reading on November 28, 2017. Within the same day, the Senate bill passed the third and final reading with 17 senators voting for the bill. Only Risa Hontiveros voted against the bill. The Bicameral Conference Committee consolidated the bills passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate. The committee then approved a bill which favored

7808-693: The Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) bill, with Sen. Risa Hontiveros being the lone dissenter on November 28, 2017. On the succeeding voting for the TRAIN, the positive votes were cast by Senators Sonny Angara, Nancy Binay, Frank Drilon, JV Ejercito, Chiz Escudero, Win Gatchalian, Dick Gordon, Gringo Honasan, Loren Legarda, Joel Villanueva, Koko Pimentel, Grace Poe, Ralph Recto, Tito Sotto, Cynthia Villar and Migs Zubiri. The negative votes were cast by Senators Ping Lacson, Risa Hontiveros, Bam Aquino and Antonio Trillanes IV Duterte's certification of

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7936-591: The United States IRS considers lottery winnings taxable income, the Canada Revenue Agency may consider most lottery prizes and other one-time windfalls non-taxable. The tax treatment of various income sources may vary depending on the country and its tax regulations. Comprehensive Employment and Training Act Risa Hontiveros Ana Theresia " Risa " Navarro Hontiveros–Baraquel ( Tagalog: [ˈɾisa ɔntɪˈverɔs] ; born February 24, 1966)

8064-532: The United States for illegal activities. Arrest warrants were afterwards issued by the Senate and the Department of Justice. Former president Duterte and his daughter, vice president Sara, aided Quiboloy to avoid arrest, but failed after Quiboloy was arrested a month later. In May 2024, Senator Hontiveros, along with Senator Gatchalian , led a Senate inquiry on Bamban mayor Alice Guo (or Guo Hua Ping) over

8192-431: The United States, social tax expenditures significantly impact personal income taxation, making up a substantial portion of total tax expenditure as a percentage of GDP. Countries across the OECD have experienced changes in tax wedge rates, particularly in those with higher incomes. In France, for instance, the rise in personal income taxes as a percentage of labor costs was influenced by an increase in surtax rates, but this

8320-428: The abolition of the pork barrel system, which was not necessarily corrupt if used appropriately but have been exploited by corrupt politicians. By the end of the year, the Reproductive Health Law (RH Law) passed into law. The law mandated an age-appropriate sex education in the Philippines while providing maximum benefits to those with serious and life-threatening reproductive health conditions. Hontiveros has called on

8448-410: The act, as well as generate additional revenue for health oriented programs and services. From its original excise tax of ₱30 in 2017, the tax on tobacco increased to ₱32.50 on January 1, 2018, ₱35 on July 1, 2018, will increase to ₱37.50 on January 1, 2019, and ₱40 on January 1, 2020. Afterwards, it will increase annually by 4% from January 1, 2024. There are four taxes that were adjusted along with

8576-587: The arrest as illegal. Hontiveros was later released after public outrage and criticisms against the Arroyo administration. In 2007, Hontiveros urged the Ombudsman to inhibit during the NBN–ZTE deal corruption scandal case. The case exposed an overpriced contract signed by the Arroyo government with China 's ZTE Corporation, amounting to at least $ 130 million in kickbacks. Arroyo's husband, Jose Miguel Arroyo , and Commission on Elections chair Benjamin Abalos were also found to have been involved in bribery. Hontiveros, as House deputy minority leader, criticized

8704-448: The bot accounts spreading the fake news were confirmed as originating from China. Duterte-allied vloggers also proliferated the fake news. Hontiveros was never mentioned in the Commission on Audit ruling mandating perpetrators to return unauthorized bonuses. Additionally, the bonuses in question were released before she was appointed in the PhilHealth board. On October 14, 2015, Hontiveros formally declared her candidacy for senator in

8832-435: The consumption of harmful fuel, and veering towards a healthier, more sustainable future. The price of fuel also varies due to the global inflation of oil. Listed below is the effect of the Petroleum Excise Tax (note: the additional excise tax is per liter) Listed below are the new excise taxes for specific fuel products for the year 2018 The table below summarizes the excise taxes on automobiles. The second column illustrates

8960-506: The country, many were in far-flung areas. The wide network was in response to the health needs of the public. It provided free x-rays, blood chem, ultrasound, ECG, and check-ups, among many others. In August 2021, Senators Hontiveros and Gordon launched a Senate investigation on the Pharmally scandal , a string of anomalies surrounding the multi-billion worth of contracts that the Duterte government awarded to Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation. Initially an inquiry into audit findings about

9088-459: The culprits, to which Duterte claimed months later that he has fired the officials involved. However, it was later revealed by media that the officials involved in the pastillas scam were eventually put back by Duterte in the immigration bureau. On August 2020, Hontiveros urged an investigation of Chinese men's illegal activities, including prostitution, in a casino at Clark in Pampanga . Hontiveros also called for an independent investigation on

9216-883: The economic relationship involved in generating and utilizing monetary resources to ensure the material and social well-being of society members and their continued existence. In the context of developed market relations, personal finance is recognized as an independent component of the financial system. Numerous publications have extensively examined this subject, addressing various aspects such as effective management and control of personal expenses using budgets and accounts, strategic allocation of consumption expenditures, planning for taxes, insurance payments, medical care, and debt repayment, as well as income management and strategies for accumulating assets and planning for retirement. Other important aspects include making informed decisions regarding purchases and borrowing, budgeting for child-rearing, education, insurance, and more. Personal income

9344-655: The end. In addition, because richer tax payers tend to purchase more cars, the additional revenue from this tax will mostly come from them. "The SSB (Sugar-Sweetened Beverages) tax will promote a healthier Philippines". It achieves this by reducing the increasing number of diabetes and obesity cases, through raising awareness, promoting the consumption of healthier products and encourage companies to innovate healthier alternatives. TRAIN imposes new taxes of ₱6 per liter on drinks containing sweeteners and ₱12 per liter on drinks containing high-fructose corn syrup . Milk, 100% natural juice and 3-in-1 instant coffee drinks are exempt from

9472-412: The entirety of its life, as well as lift 250,000 Filipinos out of poverty. Through the increase in excise tax, Package 1 will be able to generate ₱134 Billion. The actual effects in 2018 are elaborated below. For the first quarter of 2018, the government was able to raise ₱619.84 billion. This represents a 16.4% growth in revenue compared to the first quarter of 2017. In monetary terms, the government

9600-477: The excise tax is to shift towards renewable energies and generate additional income for building infrastructures and social services. The excise tax on coal will increase from its original ₱10/Metric Ton(MT) to ₱50/MT on both domestic and imported coal. ₱50/MT will be added each succeeding year until January when the rate would have reached ₱150/MT. Starting 2018, all cosmetic surgeries, aesthetic procedures, and body enhancements intended to improve, alter, or enhance

9728-412: The excise tax. There are three additional excise taxes, namely coal, cosmetics and tobacco. Coal is a cheap source for power generation and has its uses in multiple industries such as the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. It is also a prime ingredient for activated carbon , carbon fiber and silicon metal . However, it remains a major source for air pollution in the Philippines. The aim of

9856-415: The exemption from the first ₱90,000 of their thirteenth month pay and additional bonuses. Finally, Self-employed and professionals with gross sales below VAT can only pay 8% flat tax instead of their income and personal tax. The TRAIN aims to simplify property purchases, transfers and donations in order to make the land market more efficient thus ensuring the usage of properties is maximized. The estate tax

9984-510: The first ever national House debates on the Reproductive Health Law (RH Law). Although the proposal did not pass into law due to conservative politicians, the debates ignited a national awareness on the need for such a law. Running under the ticket of then-senator (later president) Benigno Aquino III , Hontiveros lost in the 2010 national elections , placing 13th overall, one place short to be elected. In 2012, Hontiveros called for

10112-442: The first package of the TRAIN is to "create a simpler, fair, and more efficient system". Through this program, the richer tax payers of the Philippines will pay a greater contribution to enable the government to execute its programs and services targeted to the general improvement of the country, especially the less fortunate. There are six main key provisions, three additional excise taxes, and four financial taxes. "The TRAIN lowers

10240-410: The first quarter as well due to the increase in income. Insofar as expenditures go for the first quarter of 2018, the total amounted to ₱782.0 billion, growing by 27.1%, which also outstripped the 9.7% nominal GDP growth due to the estimated 40.0% increase in capital outlays. Dominquez also said that the expenditure effort also rose by 2.73%, which is the highest increase since 2003. This results in

10368-508: The first quarter of 2018, both positive and negative outcomes have been observed. The economy saw an increase in tax revenues, government expenditure and an incremental growth in GDP . On the other hand, unprecedented inflation rates that exceeded projected calculations, has been the cause for much uproar and objections. There have been petitions to suspend and amend the law, so as to safeguard particular sectors from soaring prices. House Bill No. 4774

10496-461: The following reforms are implemented: For 5 years from the law's enactment, all revenues will be set aside for infrastructure and social programs only, with a 70% and 30% portion respectively. Infrastructure projects that will receive priority funding include the Build, Build, Build Program that tackles the problem of congestion through the construction of public transport systems and road networks and

10624-519: The following: These were the revisions made to the Tax Code: In May 2018, following reports on how TRAIN-related price hikes had affected the poor, Rep. Carlos Zarate filed House Bill 7653 seeking to repeal some provisions of the TRAIN law. The bill sought to remove, among other things, the VAT on electricity and low-cost housing. There are four complementary measures undertaken to ensure the income from

10752-510: The gains from enacting the Reproductive Health Law and the continuing struggle for universal health care and good governance. In the aftermath, Hontiveros acknowledged Senator Serge Osmeña 's observation that her mixed messages in the campaign may have been the reason for her loss. In June 2014, Hontiveros again marched with the Filipino LGBT+ community in Quezon City to renew the push for

10880-432: The government and called for the controversial deal to be cancelled. Because of the revelations, Arroyo later scrapped the deal. On the same year, Hontiveros called on the House leadership to launch an investigation on the alleged distribution of 'cash gifts' given by the Arroyo government to congressmen. The public funds were reportedly used as Arroyo's bargain to block impeachment. In 2008, Hontiveros exposed that under

11008-486: The government to fully implement the Reproductive Health Law (RH Law). On February 2020, Hontiveros launched a Senate investigation which exposed the "pastillas scam" system within the Bureau of Immigration. Under the illegal system, Chinese nationals were allowed seamless entry into the country in exchange for money. The investigations found that the masterminds of the system illegally amassed up to 40 billion pesos. Hontiveros urged President Duterte to file cases against

11136-407: The government to fully implement the law amidst opposition from ultra-conservative factions. Running under President Aquino's Team PNoy ticket, Hontiveros ran again for a senate seat in the 2013 midterm election . However, she lost for the second time, placing 17th in the Senate race. Her campaign slogan was Paglalaban ka, aalagaan ka ("Will fight for you, will take care of you") which reflected

11264-464: The government's war on drugs, marking the anniversary of Kian delos Santos' death. In September 2018, Hontiveros, alongside opposition senators, called for a Senate probe into President Duterte's revocation of Senator Antonio Trillanes ' amnesty, accusing the president of targeting Trillanes for his criticisms. She criticized Duterte as the "real destabilizer" after he accused progressive groups and opposition figures of plotting to oust him, claims that

11392-659: The homicide of trans Filipina, Jennifer Laude , calling Duterte's move an "affront not only to the LGBTQI+ community but to the Filipino people". In February 2021, Hontiveros sought for a Senate investigation on the trafficking of Filipino women in the Middle East. In April 2021, Hontiveros launched the Healthy Pinas Mobile Clinic, her nationwide mobile health clinic network where centers were established in every region across

11520-512: The income). The area between the Lorenz Curve and the diagonal line calculates the Gini coefficient, which ranges from 0 to 1. A higher Gini coefficient indicates higher income inequality, with 1 representing perfect inequality. The Gini coefficient is widely used because it satisfies important properties that allow for easy comparison of income inequality between different countries. It is considered

11648-545: The initial shock of the TRAIN Law, unconditional cash transfers are dispensed. On the first year, beneficiaries receive ₱200 per month. In the succeeding 2 years, they receive ₱300 per month. The UCT is obtained from oil excise tax revenues. In addition to the UCT, social welfare cards are provided to aid in continuous conferring of benefits and subsidies to the poorest households. This includes subsidies for "medicine, transportation, rice, and vocational trainings". The overarching goal of

11776-477: The massacre 'an indictment of Arroyo's coddling of impunity for her allies'. Hontiveros also criticized the prime suspect, former governor Andal Ampatuan Jr., who petitioned to post bail. Five suspects were convicted ten years later, with Hontiveros stating that although the masterminds were jailed, the quest for justice continues as several suspects remain at large and attacks on journalists continue to occur. Hontiveros, along with her progressive allies, also began

11904-545: The murder of Anakpawis chairman Randall Echanis. On August 18, 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic , Hontiveros urged the Department of Health to withdraw the memorandum that suspended the special risk allowance of public health workers. She has backed the passage of the "Magna Carta for Seafarers ", as well as the establishment of more medical schools in state universities and colleges . On August 26, 2020, Hontiveros urged President Duterte to communicate plans to protect

12032-511: The national debt is considered in personal income but not in national income. The formula for calculating Personal Income (PI) can be expressed as follows: PI = National Income - Undistributed profits (UP) - Corporate tax (CT) - Net interest households payment (NIH) - social security contribution + Transfer payment from households (TPH) + interest of public debt + windfall gain In this formula: The most common way to measure income inequality in economics

12160-791: The non-essential VAT exemption. In order to protect these less fortunate persons, as well as small and micro businesses, they are exempted from VAT on goods and services of marginal establishments. VAT exempt tax payers now have the option to: "TRAIN aims to clean up the VAT system to make it fairer and simpler and lower the cost of compliance for both the taxpayers and tax administrators". As such, VAT exemptions are now only limited to health, education and raw agriculture food. In 2019, medicines for hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes will be exempted from VAT. Similarly, purchases from senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Housing that costs less than ₱2 million shall also be exempted starting in 2021. This tax aims to increase efforts towards decreasing

12288-481: The non-mention of these crimes in the treaty. No Filipino "comfort woman" has ever been compensated through reparations. Additionally, it was impossible for the 1952 treaty to include "comfort women" and human experimentation victims as the treaty was signed 5 decades before the first Filipino "comfort woman" victim, Lola Rosa Henson , came out to the public due to rampant victim-blaming in 1992, and more than 6 decades before Japan's human experimentation on Filipinos

12416-510: The optimum 7–8 percent level as the competitiveness of the economy rises and more jobs are created,' he said." Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia claims that the inflation will most likely peak on the third quarter of the year and start tapering off by October. "The inflation rate in June—which exceeded both government and market expectations—was the fastest pace in at least five years. Year-to-date, inflation averaged 4.3 percent, above

12544-446: The order, the individual's income may be considered non-taxable. Similarly, the value of an employee achievement award may not be taxed as long as certain conditions are met. Additionally, if an individual receives a life insurance payment after the passing of a loved one, that payment is generally considered non-taxable income. Taxable and non-taxable income can be defined differently by different taxing authorities. For instance, while

12672-420: The other hand, consumption taxes , in the form of higher excise tax on tobacco products, petroleum products, automobiles, tobacco, and additional excise tax on sweetened beverages and non-essential, invasive cosmetic procedures were introduced. It also expanded the VAT base by repealing exemption provisions in numerous special laws. The TRAIN Act is aimed to generate revenue to achieve the 2022 and 2040 vision of

12800-836: The passage of the anti-discrimination bill (later called the SOGIE Equality Bill ), which she has backed in numerous occasions in the previous congresses. In November 2014, Hontiveros was inducted as a trustee of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) board, where she served until October 2015. As a trustee, she pushed for expanded medical benefits and coverage, especially for indigents and senior citizens. Later in 2018, when Hontiveros criticized President Duterte's bloody regime and Chinese foreign policy, various fake news were circulated against Hontiveros about her alleged issues in PhilHealth. The allegations have since been fact-checked as false. Many of

12928-414: The poorly spent P67 billion pandemic funds, the investigation later revealed a full-blown corruption scandal backed by President Duterte and involved his Chinese economic adviser Michael Yang (Yang Hongming). Throughout the investigations, President Duterte disallowed his allies from cooperating with the Senate investigations and instructed them to pursue a counter-investigation in the House, while attacking

13056-403: The president could only be voted upon after copies of the given measure is provided to House of Representatives members three days before the day of the third and final reading. On May 31, 2017, just before the 17th Congress adjourn its first regular session, the bill passed the final reading with 246 voting for and 9 against the bill. Only one made an abstention. Most of those who opposed were from

13184-422: The products and money received by an individual. Personal income can be defined in different ways: Personal income encompasses various forms of income beyond just wages. It can include dividends , transfers, pension payments, government benefits, and rental income, among others. Taxes charged to an individual are typically not deducted when calculating personal income. Personal income serves as an indicator of

13312-517: The real well-being of people and their ability to afford products or services before taxes are applied. There are various types of personal income, each serving different purposes and considerations: Personal income can also be categorized based on its source: In recent decades, there has been a growing concern about the economy of personal and household income, viewed as a socio-economic unit that binds individuals through relationships that emerge when organizing their shared lives. Simultaneously, it

13440-399: The refurbishing and enhancing of military facilities. Additionally, part of the 70% will be allocated to the building of sports facilities in public schools as well as amenities that will allow access to potable water in public spaces. The social programs that will receive priority funding from 30% of revenues include: In order to provide provisional protection for vulnerable households from

13568-550: The region. She became the first sitting Philippine government official to visit the country, with which the Philippines does not maintain official diplomatic relations due to its adherence to the One China policy, since Transportation Secretary Mar Roxas in 2011. Hontiveros also visited Overseas Filipinos in Taiwan whom she stated were potentially affected by Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian 's anti- Taiwan independence statements in

13696-505: The revelations, the Chinese "agribusiness" deals were later cancelled while the JMSU was not renewed by the government, and later declared as void and unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of the Philippines . As Akbayan representative in the House, Hontiveros has authored numerous laws, including the Right to Labor Self-Organization Law which expanded the rights of Filipino workers to self-organize,

13824-571: The same month, the Simulated Birth Rectification Law, principally sponsored and co-authored by Hontiveros, was enacted into law, improving the country's adoption system which would allow more orphaned children to enjoy rights and benefits. In April 2019, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4P's Law, authored by Hontiveros along with Senator Leila de Lima , was enacted into law. The measure established

13952-637: The same month, the Universal Health Care Act, principally authored by Hontiveros and aimed to expand the country's health care infrastructure to make health care available to all Filipinos, was enacted into law. In March 2019, the Expanded Maternity Leave Law, principally authored and sponsored by Hontiveros, was enacted into law. The measure provided additional benefits to both parents and made it easier for parents to avail benefits in SSS. On

14080-474: The senators who led the investigations in the Senate. In December 2021, Hontiveros urged and warned the government against the 100% foreign ownership of telecommunication companies in the Philippines, which she calls a threat to national security. In January 2022, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Law, principally authored by Hontiveros, passed into law, making child marriages illegal nationwide. In April 2022,

14208-407: The tax rate on vehicles based on their specific price range. The third column portrays the actual average effective tax rate. Because the TRAIN law increases the PIT of 99% of the population, their increase in net income will still be more than enough to compensate for the effects of the excise tax on automobiles. This means they still benefit from the TRAIN as they incur additional disposable income in

14336-446: The tax reform are lower personal income tax and higher consumption tax. Individual taxpayers with taxable income not exceeding ₱250,000 annually are exempted from income tax. The exemption for minimum wage earners is retained in the revised tax system. Tax rates for individual taxpayers still follow the progressive tax system with the maximum rate of 35%, and minimum rates of 20% (taxable years 2018 to 2022) and 15% (2023 onwards). On

14464-458: The top 20% of the population to that received by the bottom 40%. This ratio helps gauge the inequality between high and low-income groups within a society. Another common approach is constructing a Lorenz Curve , a graphical representation of the cumulative percentages of income recipients. The curve compares the actual income distribution to perfect equality (represented by a diagonal line) and perfect inequality (where one person receives 100% of

14592-614: The torch of the opposition leadership is now in the hands of Hontiveros, who is the highest-elected opposition figure. During the 19th Congress, she became part of the two-member Senate minority bloc alongside Koko Pimentel , who was elected as Minority Floor Leader . On August 3, 2022, Pimentel named her as Senate Deputy Minority Leader. Hontiveros chairs the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality . In January 2023, Hontiveros revealed that Filipinos were being trafficked to Cambodia for crypto scams by

14720-446: The town executive's dubious Filipino citizenship status and links to a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGOs) in her town which was raided for involvement in suspected illicit activities. POGOs were previously regulated by the previous administration of president Rodrigo Duterte, who allowed POGOs to operate near Filipino military bases, likened by Filipino security experts as a "trojan horse". The series of investigation on Guo

14848-534: The victims were just children , majority were girls while some were boys, when they were sexually enslaved and gang-raped on a daily basis by the Japanese Imperial Army , composed of male adults. Hontiveros filed a measure in the Senate regarding the matter in 2023, citing the recent 2023 ruling from the United Nations-CEDAW which favored the Filipino victims. Japan falsely claimed that the issue

14976-517: Was a landmark measure against catcalling and harassment. In December 2018, her First 1,000 Days Law, aimed at improving maternal and infant health , was enacted. She continued advocating for marginalized groups, receiving the Equality Champion Award in November 2018 for her work on the SOGIE Equality Bill and fight against discrimination. In January 2019, she spearheaded the passage of

15104-404: Was able to raise ₱87.44 billion more in this quarter of 2018 compared to the previous year. "The Philippine economy expanded by 6.8 percent in the first quarter of 2018, making it still one of the fastest-growing economies in the region even as rising inflation reduced consumption and productivity in some sectors." DOF Secretary Carlos Dominguez III claimed tax revenues grew by 18.2%, "exceeding

15232-531: Was among the inaugural recipients of the Ripple Awards by LoveYourself, a non-governmental organization recognizing individuals for their significant contributions to raising HIV/AIDS awareness, combating its spread, and reducing stigma in communities. In 2018, Hontiveros criticized the Duterte administration's foreign policy , calling it a "complete disaster" and a threat to Philippine sovereignty. She cited incidents such as President Duterte's remark suggesting

15360-874: Was awarded the Silver Rose Award by Solidar at the European Parliament in Brussels , Belgium, on January 29, 2019, in recognition of her contributions "to social justice and solidarity". Hontiveros was cited as "a progressive politician who is fighting for ideals and freedom in the Philippines". In February 2019, the Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Law, principally authored and sponsored by Hontiveros, officially became law. The law ensures that children under 18 years old are not recruited, re-recruited, used or arrested by armed groups. On

15488-501: Was done within the span of four months, the House Bill No. 7890 was consolidated with 54 other tax-related bills to come up with a House Bill 5636, a substitute bill which had "moderate" changes from House Bill 4774. The substitute measure was approved on May 8. The DOF requested President Rodrigo Duterte to declare the bill as "urgent" on May 29, 2017. Bills passed on the second reading by the Congress but are not certified "urgent" by

15616-451: Was highly publicized by the mainstream media and gave a limelight to the numerous illegal activities of Chinese-owned POGOs, which includes fake citizenships, murders, torture, illegal detentions, drug use, prostitution, slavery, and money laundering, among many others. It was also revealed that Michael Yang , the Chinese economic adviser of president Duterte involved in the Pharmally scandal ,

15744-746: Was increased from 0.5% to 0.6% of total transaction value. Finally, there are three additional taxes that do not fall under the aforementioned categories. These are the tax on lottery winnings and PCSO prizes, documentary stamp tax, and mining tax. With the implementation of the TRAIN Law, all PCSO lotto prizes are taxed at 20% if the prize exceeds ₱10,000. The documentary stamp tax has been doubled, resulting in stamp taxes ranging from ₱1.50 to ₱3.00. Finally, excise tax rates on all non-metallic minerals and quarry resources, and all metallic minerals including copper, gold and chromite, will be doubled, from 2% to 4%, as well as excise tax on indigenous petroleum, which will be doubled from 3% to 6%. The three main categories

15872-529: Was part of the POGO criminal activities. Arrest warrants were issued against Guo and her associates. Guo afterwards escaped to Indonesia, but was later caught by local police and imprisoned back to the Philippines. Guo, who was initially suspected by Hontiveros as a spy, was later confirmed as a Chinese spy by She Zhijiang, a former Chinese spy now jailed in Thailand, who also confirmed that Chinese espionage work in

16000-446: Was partly offset by reduced social security contributions. Almost all types of income are considered taxable by the IRS. However, there are some specific circumstances where certain revenue streams are not subject to taxation. For example, if an individual is a member of a religious order and has taken a poverty vow, works for an organization managed by that order, and has donated earnings to

16128-575: Was ratified in July 2018. That same month, her proposed amendment to the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, mandating PhilHealth coverage for all PWDs, was passed by the Senate. In May 2018, Hontiveros condemned the removal of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno , describing it as a "stab to the Constitution's heart." In August, she filed a resolution to designate August 16 as a "National Day of Remembrance" for victims of extrajudicial killings under

16256-442: Was resolved by the 1952 Treaty of San Francisco, which it "interprets" as settlement for all its war crimes . The treaty does not mention the "comfort women" system and many other atrocities that were publicized after the 1952 treaty signing. Many atrocities were intentionally covered-up by Japan after the war, including its human experimentations and live human vivisections against Filipinos and other Asian nationals, resulting to

16384-473: Was successfully reelected for a second term, ranking 11th out of the 12 winning candidates with more than 15 million votes. She was projected to be the only opposition senator in the 19th Congress . On June 27, she became the official leader of the opposition after she took her oath of office before outgoing Vice President Leni Robredo at the Quezon City Reception House . Robredo magnified that

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