Gatchalian pushes ‘GINHAWA’ bill to raise take-home pay for Filipino workers

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is calling for the urgent passage of the GINHAWA bill, or the Granting Increase in Take-Home Pay for All Working Filipinos Act, to help workers cope with rising prices amid global tensions in the Middle East.

The measure seeks to raise the income tax exemption ceiling from P250,000 to P400,000 annually, effectively increasing workers’ take-home pay. It also proposes increasing the tax-free bonus cap from P90,000 to P150,000.

Kailangan din ng middle class ng tulong para maibsan ang pasakit na dulot ng mataas na presyo ng langis at mga bilihin,” Gatchalian said, stressing the middle class’s key role in driving the economy and government revenues.

The bill also removes taxes on service charges for service workers and on additional pay such as overtime, holiday pay, night shift differential, and hazard pay, as well as honoraria and allowances of poll workers.

Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Finance Committee and the PROTECT ad hoc panel, said the measure aims to provide much-needed financial relief for Filipino workers.IMT