House committee targets Q1 passage of tax amnesty bill

January 19, 2026 | 8:56 pm

THE House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee aims to pass a bill granting a general tax amnesty in the first quarter to give the chamber enough time to approve it by June, a lawmaker said, pushing swift congressional action so the measure could take effect as early as 2027.

Marikina Rep. Miro S. Quimbo, who heads the committee, said the panel plans to consolidate pending proposals and draft a final version it can sponsor for plenary approval, but is awaiting input from the Department of Finance (DoF).

“We expect to finish the matter by the first quarter,” he told BusinessWorld by telephone on Jan. 14. “We want to expedite it so that it can be taken up in plenary and approved by the House before the end of the first regular session.”

He said early House approval would allow the Senate to act on the bill within the year, opening the door for the tax amnesty to take effect by April 2027, the next taxable period.

“It’s critical that we get this approved before the end of the first regular session so the Senate can take it up,” Mr. Quimbo said. “They have until November this year, so that by the taxable calendar or period it will already be in place.”

A general tax amnesty is part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s legislative priorities for the 20^th Congress. Bills proposing such a measure have been filed in both chambers but remain at the committee level.

Business groups and foreign chambers earlier said a tax amnesty would help expand the tax base by encouraging delinquent taxpayers to settle outstanding liabilities and re-enter the formal system.

Mr. Quimbo said he has yet to sit down with interim Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go to discuss the agency’s position and preferred structure for the bill.

“We want to make sure that the leadership of the Department of Finance is also on board,” he said. “That’s our primordial issue.”

Under the 1987 Constitution, all tax measures must originate from the House of Representatives, giving it a key role in shaping fiscal policy.

The House tax panel, Mr. Quimbo said, is waiting for the DoF’s final comments before formally taking up the bill.

“There are several versions of it, and I think it’s important that we thresh this out with the Department of Finance even before we can start taking it up at the committee level,” he said.

At least three House bills propose granting a general tax amnesty covering unpaid income, withholding, capital gains, donor’s, value-added and other percentage taxes, as well as excise and documentary stamp taxes collected by the Bureau of Internal Revenue and Bureau of Customs.

The proposals set amnesty rates at either 2% of a taxpayer’s total assets as of December 2024 or 5% of total net worth, depending on the version.

A general tax amnesty could help boost state revenue by widening the tax base, said Michael L. Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp.

“This would help to eventually improve the National Government’s fiscal performance and position,” he said in a Viber message. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Philippines advances disaster finance, bond market plans at ASEAN+3

January 19, 2026 | 8:56 pm

Enteng-flood — PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

THE Philippines has begun its co-chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Plus Three (ASEAN+3) finance process alongside Japan, aiming to strengthen regional financial resilience, deepen policy coordination and advance disaster risk financing initiatives, the Department of Finance (DoF) said.

The country convened the first task force meeting under its co-chairmanship, which Finance Assistant Secretary Donalyn U. Minimo said set the agenda for the year and outlined priorities for delivering concrete outcomes.

The ASEAN+3 framework groups the 10 Southeast Asian nations with China, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea, and serves as a platform to monitor macroeconomic and financial developments while addressing regional vulnerabilities.

This year’s agenda includes accelerating the operationalization of the Chiang Mai Initiative, a multilateral currency swap arrangement designed to provide a regional financial safety net, strengthening coordination with the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office and advancing regional bond market development, the DoF said.

Members also agreed to push forward the disaster risk financing initiative as climate-related shocks continue to pose fiscal and macroeconomic risks, particularly for disaster-prone economies such as the Philippines.

Discussions covered the next phase of the initiative, including a proposed 2026-2028 roadmap, which officials said would strengthen fiscal resilience beyond traditional insurance mechanisms.

The Philippines also led talks on continuing the ASEAN+3 fiscal exchange, a joint initiative with Japan that lets finance ministries share best practices on common fiscal challenges.

The meeting, co-headed by the DoF and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas with Japan’s Ministry of Finance and Bank of Japan, was held in Makati from Jan. 13 to 14.

The Philippines is heading the broader ASEAN grouping this year. — A.R.A. Inosante

Marcos opens upgraded Antique Airport

January 19, 2026 | 8:55 pm

PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. said the upgraded Antique Airport would help boost tourism and economic activity in Western Visayas as the government presses ahead with regional infrastructure upgrades.

Speaking at the inauguration in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique, Mr. Marcos said the P1.576-billion Antique Airport Development Project reflects his administration’s focus on modernizing airports to support growth, generate jobs and improve connectivity in the provinces.

“We expect these improvements to bring significant relief and convenience to our travelers, tourists, workers, businesspeople and families,” he said in Filipino, adding that efficient infrastructure spending should be a standard for government projects.

The project expanded the passenger terminal to 2,224 square meters from 181 square meters, increasing seating capacity to 360 passengers from 64. Check-in counters were increased to six from two, while a redesigned aircraft ramp can now accommodate up to four jet aircraft at the same time.

The runway was extended to 1,800 meters from 1,430 meters, and the control tower was upgraded to seven stories from three, improving air traffic management and operational capacity.

The Antique Airport upgrade is part of a broader aviation improvement program in Western Visayas aimed at strengthening tourism and regional trade.

Mr. Marcos ordered the Department of Transportation and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines to ensure airport projects across the region are implemented smoothly and meet service standards.

Rehabilitation work is also under way at Iloilo International Airport, including upgrades to the passenger terminal, escalators, flight information display systems and baggage handling facilities, the President said. Asphalt resurfacing of the runway is also in progress to improve safety.

At Roxas Airport, runway improvement works continue, while construction of a control tower is scheduled to begin this year, he added.

Mr. Marcos said airport facilities must maintain cleanliness, order and efficiency, stressing that service quality should be consistent across the country.

“Make this the standard for our service to residents and tourists alike,” he said. “Ensure that projects are implemented properly so our people can benefit from them more quickly.” — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

DPWH to restart project assessment

January 19, 2026 | 8:54 pm

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said that it will restart its assessment of “ghost” or nonexistent flood control projects following reports of discrepancies in grid coordinates.

“Because the location coordinates were wrong, of course, the effect was that they mislead into the wrong locations. So, the effect of this is we have to start over,” Public Works Undersecretary Arthur V. Bisnar told the Senate Blue Ribbon panel on Monday, in mixed Filipino and English.

Senator Panfilo M. Lacson, who heads the panel, said last week that Malacañang received incorrect grid coordinates for thousands of flood control projects around the country, which led to an inaccurate report involving 421 “ghost” projects.

Mr. Bisnar said the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police have already inspected about 10,238 projects out of the 30,000 flood control projects from 2016 to 2025.

“Of the 10,000 that they validated, the ones they declared nonexistent now are 252, so we have to come back to those,” Mr. Bisnar said.

Meanwhile, former DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan argued that the report he provided to the President was based on locational data in the Multi-Year Planning and Scheduling from the office of former Undersecretary Maria Catalina E. Cabral.

“I assured the President that it’s still in the same area, those projects. It’s still in the same area. It cannot be in any other area,” Mr. Bonoan told the hearing.

Mr. Lacson had earlier accused the former DPWH chief of deliberately providing incorrect coordinates to the President.

Prosecutor General Richard Anthony D. Fadullon said that the delays in the flood control report would not have any effect on cases against those involved in the flood control scandal.

“As far as the cases that we have already and we are conducting investigations, it will not be affected,” he added.

In the same hearing, the Senate panel ordered the issuance of show-cause orders for ex-Party-list Rep. Elizaldy S. Co and his former security aide Orly Regala Guteza for not attending the committee hearing on Monday.

“In deference to the latest Supreme Court ruling, let’s first issue a show-cause order. If the response is unsatisfactory, we will cite them for contempt and eventually issue arrest warrants,” Mr. Lacson said.

The chamber had earlier sent a subpoena for Mr. Co and Mr. Guteza last week. — Adrian H. Halili

Canada to train Philippine forces

January 19, 2026 | 8:52 pm

Army-soldiers-parade — PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

OTTAWA’S armed forces will conduct a five-day military cybersecurity training program for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Embassy of Canada in Manila said on Monday.

In a statement, the embassy said the joint exercises aim to strengthen the AFP’s capacity to detect, assess, and respond to malicious cyber activity targeting government and military networks.

“By delivering the Military Cyber Security Operations Course in the Philippines, Canada is investing in practical cooperation that strengthens regional resilience, improves interoperability and supports a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific,” Major-Gen. Dave Yarke, commander of the Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command, was quoted as saying.

The cybersecurity training program will also support the development of local expertise, enhance interoperability, and help strengthen its national cyber defense posture.

The program also includes legal instructions that cover domestic and international legal frameworks for cyber operations, as well as emerging and current issues in cyber law.

“The initiative also advances Canada’s broader efforts to work with like-minded partners to address emerging threats and promote regional stability,” it added.

The training, set for Jan. 19 to 23, will bring together the AFP Cyber Command and the Philippine Army Signal Regiment’s Cyber Battalion, under the instruction of the Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command.

“Their participation underscores the growing collaboration between Canada and the Philippines and builds on the momentum of the recently signed Canada-Philippines Status of Visiting Forces Agreement,” it said.

Manila and Ottawa last year signed a visiting forces agreement amid the Philippines’ push to widen its defense cooperations. — Adrian H. Halili

Plunder rap filed vs Bonoan

January 19, 2026 | 8:52 pm

FORMER Public Works Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan is facing a plunder complaint in connection with alleged irregularities in government-funded flood control projects, the Department of Justice (DoJ) said on Monday.

Justice spokesperson Raphael Niccolo L. Martinez said Mr. Bonoan, who recently returned to the Philippines from the United States, is a co-respondent with Senator Jose “Jinggoy” P. Estrada in the case filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). The complaint alleges the acquisition of ill-gotten wealth exceeding P50 million.

No preliminary investigation has so far been scheduled, and no subpoena has been issued, said Mr. Martinez. “The complaint is not localized to a single project or area. It involves several transactions connected to flood control projects,” he added.

The case forms part of a wider probe into the P545.6-billion flood mitigation budget allocated between 2022 and 2025. Testimonies from former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials — some of whom are now state witnesses — alleged kickbacks reaching 25% to 40% of project costs.

Earlier, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) referred multiple cases involving alleged ghost projects in Bulacan to the Office of the Ombudsman. The ICI recommended that Mr. Bonoan, along with former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto M. Bernardo (now a state witness) and the late Maria Catalina C. Cabral, face administrative charges for grave misconduct and gross dishonesty. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

Iloilo flyover completion set for end-2026

January 19, 2026 | 8:51 pm

Vince-Dizon-wc — DEPARTMENT of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vivencio “Vince” B. Dizon speaks during a press briefing with the Malacañang Press Corps on Sept. 1, 2025. — PHILIPPINE STAR/RYAN BALDEMOR

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said that the Aganan Flyover in Iloilo, which is expected to help traffic congestion in the province, is set for completion by the end of 2026.

“I will assure that the Aganan Flyover will be finally finished before Christmas of 2026,” Public Works Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon said in a statement on Monday.

According to DPWH documents, the construction of the Aganan Flyover in Pavia, Iloilo started in 2020 and is set to be completed within 464 calendar days.

Mr. Dizon said he had ordered to ramp up the construction of the flyover, which will be operational by the end of the year.

“We will ensure 100% safety, and we will finally finish it. This Aganan Flyover has long been stalled, but we need to prioritize safety (of the public) and that their safety will not be compromised,” he said.

For this year, the agency is taking a broader infrastructure upgrade program which includes the rehabilitation of the Maharlika Highway and the Circumferential Road 5 in Metro Manila.

The Maharlika Highway, also known as the Pan-Philippine Highway, is a road and bridge network linking Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The agency is also implementing the ongoing rehabilitation of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, which is expected to be fully completed by May. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

ICC appeal for more drug war witnesses a standard practice — victims’ counsel

January 19, 2026 | 8:50 pm

FPPRD Duterte-ICC — FORMER PRESIDENT RODRIGO R. DUTERTE — INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT / COUR PÉNALE INTERNATIONALE

THE International Criminal Court’s (ICC) recent public appeal for additional witnesses in its investigation into former Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s “war on drugs” is a normal and expected step in the court’s proceedings, according to an ICC-accredited lawyer.

The Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) earlier issued a formal call for individuals with relevant information to come forward, specifically noting that members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies who participated in or witnessed killings and alleged abuses between 2011 and 2019 may be asked to speak with investigators.

Maria Kristina C. Conti, ICC assistant to counsel representing victims of drug war, said this development does not signal weakness in the prosecution’s case, but rather reflects standard ICC practice.

“Yes, it’s the usual order of business in an OTP investigation,” Ms. Conti told BusinessWorld by telephone. “It is incorrect to say that there is insufficient evidence.”

She explained that the ICC process differs significantly from criminal proceedings in the Philippines, particularly in how investigations are conducted.

“The process in the ICC is a bit different from what we understand in the Philippines. In the ICC, the investigation can continue in parallel with a case or cases. Until the investigation is formally closed, the prosecution may conduct its investigation however it may see fit,” she said:

Ms. Conti added that the ongoing solicitation of witnesses should not be interpreted as a setback for the crimes against humanity case against Mr. Duterte, but as part of the prosecution’s effort to further strengthen and corroborate existing evidence.

“ICC records on the Duterte case show that some 5,000 items of evidence have been submitted by the prosecution to the defense, belying claims that there is no evidence against Duterte,” she said.

Meanwhile, the PNP said on Monday it will neither compel nor prevent its officers from testifying before the international tribunal.

“We remind our personnel that cooperation is a personal legal decision,” said PBGen. Randulf T. Tuaño, chief of the PNP Public Information Office, during a livestreamed briefing at Camp Crame. “The official PNP line is that no member is barred or forced to testify if they choose to respond to the ICC’s call.”

Mr. Duterte remains under the ICC’s custody in The Hague following his arrest in Manila last March as his legal team and the court continue to address medical assessments and jurisdictional issues. Although the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019, the tribunal maintained jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the country was still a party. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

Sum-Ag water facility to bring Negros Island 75M liters of daily water supply

January 19, 2026 | 8:49 pm

THE P1.5-billion Sum-Ag Water Treatment Plant in Negros Occidental will supply 75 million liters of treated water daily, securing Bacolod City’s supply for 100,000 households, or roughly half a million residents, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. said on Monday.

“It demonstrates our country’s established position to make long-term investments succeed,” he said during the inauguration ceremony in Murcia, Negros Occidental.

“It is particularly true for those aligned with climate resilience and with sustainable development.”

The project, led by Tubig Pilipinas Group, Inc. through its subsidiary Bacolod Bulk Water, Inc., incorporates water treatment and automation technology from Israel-based Watermatic International.

Funding was provided via shareholder equity and contributions from Climate Fund Managers and the Development Bank of the Philippines.

“Water is a precious resource that sustains our health and our lives and enables economic activities. When water systems work, progress flows,” Mr. Marcos said, emphasizing the project’s role in securing Bacolod’s long-term water needs. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Navy team seizes P44-M imported cigarettes in Davao region operations

January 19, 2026 | 8:48 pm

COTABATO CITY — A Navy team intercepted P44 million worth of imported cigarettes from Jolo, Sulu in a seaborne operation over the weekend.

Radio reports on Monday stated that personnel of a unit under the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) aboard a patrol boat intercepted the M/B Qaisar, then carrying the contraband, some three nautical miles off Pantukan town in Davao de Oro.

The NFEM had mentioned in a report that the 13 detained crewmen of the M/B Qaisar had confirmed that the contraband they were to unload in beachfront areas in Davao de Oro province came all the way from Jolo town in Sulu province in Zamboanga Peninsula, a known transshipment point for cigarettes brought in from Indonesia.

The 1,118 large boxes containing cigarettes, of different Indonesian brands, that Navy personnel have seized from them were immediately transported to the seaside headquarters of the NFEM in Panacan in Davao City.

Officials of the NFEM said the M/B Qaisar had also been impounded.

The captain and all crewmen of M/B Qaisar have reportedly assured to identify the smugglers who contracted them. — John Felix M. Unson

Planning starts for ASEAN energy cooperation — DoE

January 19, 2026 | 8:36 pm

THE Department of Energy (DoE) said Southeast Asian energy officials are set to start setting priorities for regional energy collaboration.

As the 2026 chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippines, through the DoE, will convene the region’s energy ministers and other officials to discuss new initiatives and review ongoing work programs.

The Philippines will host the ASEAN Special Senior Official Meeting on Energy and its Associated Meetings in Bohol from Jan. 20-22.

“The Philippines is advancing an energy agenda that delivers security for people, inclusive economic growth, innovation, and resilience across ASEAN,” Energy Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella said in a statement on Monday.

“Through these technical discussions, we are turning shared commitments into practical action, enabling ASEAN to move forward with confidence in building a secure, sustainable, and resilient energy future,” he added.

The discussions will help prepare to implement the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2026-2030, endorsed last year.

APAEC serves as the region’s five-year blueprint for energy cooperation, aligning shared priorities and coordinated actions across seven areas: an ASEAN Power Grid; clean coal transformation; renewable energy; civilian nuclear energy; oil and gas connectivity, security and sustainability; energy efficiency and conservation; and regional energy policy and planning.

During the meetings in Bohol, senior officials will also endorse the annual energy priorities to be pursued during the Philippines’ chairmanship, drive the delivery of one of the priority economic deliverables, and deepen strategic cooperation to fortify regional energy resilience, including preparedness and coordinated responses to disruption.

Mr. Fuentebella told reporters that the Philippine hosting is expected to help draw in more foreign capital by giving the business sector a better understanding of the region’s priorities and direction.

“As chair, the Philippines is committed to ensuring our collective efforts deliver tangible benefits, from powering homes and businesses to strengthening resilience and supporting inclusive growth for all ASEAN peoples, while fostering partnerships that reinforce our shared prosperity and security,” he said. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Gov’t reforms to yield ‘modest results’ without overhauling governance

January 19, 2026 | 8:36 pm

diwa-guinigundo_2018-08-17_22-08-10 — DIWA C. GUINIGUNDO — PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE government’s proposed “big, bold reforms” will probably yield only modest results if governance issues that enable corruption are not addressed, a former central banker said.

GlobalSource Principal Advisor Diwa C. Guinigundo, a former Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) deputy governor said the public institutions tasked with implementing the reforms are themselves in need of reform.

“I think all of this can move the needle but just a little bit,” Mr. Guinigundo told Money Talks with Cathy Yang on One News on Monday. “The problem is governance, it is about corruption. And that is behind the drop in FDI (foreign direct investment) as well as domestic investment.”

In October, FDI net inflows plunged by 39.8% to $642 million.

Mr. Guinigundo noted that structural corruption and the culture of impunity are bigger issues than the ease of doing business.

“The issue is not just ease of doing business, ensuring that policies are in place to avoid corruption,” he said. “Because who will implement those game-changing and needle-moving initiatives unless the issue of corruption is addressed head-on and the culture of impunity is also addressed by the Ombudsman and the civil courts.”

On Friday, economic managers presented their “big, bold reforms” to the private sector, which entailed four major plans to restore waning investor confidence.

Among the proposed reforms are the restoration of the P4.32 billion in funding for the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program, which had been vetoed from the budget. Incentives are designed to support fixed investment and reward car manufacturers that produce in volume, and 14-day visa-free entry for Chinese businessmen and tourists.

The government is also seeking to establish a digitized audit system for the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and reduce the frequency of issuing Letters of Authority, as well as to roll out a national single-window trade facilitation platform for the Bureau of Customs to minimize red tape.

Various government agencies have come in for added scrutiny since the exposure of flood control scams in July. The BIR has also come under a cloud because of the alleged use of tax audits for extortion.

Growth sank to an over four-year low of 4% in the third quarter of 2025 due to the resulting damage to investor confidence and the slowdown in government spending after projects had to come in for extra review.

Meanwhile, the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (GPCCII) called for consistent implementation and tangible results in the rollout of the government’s pledged reforms.

In a statement late Sunday, GPCCII President Marie Antoniette E. Mariano said governance challenges and sustained execution are crucial in translating these reforms into lasting confidence and inclusive growth.

“What investors and businesses will closely watch is consistent implementation, transparency, and measurable impact — particularly in improving ease of doing business, regulatory clarity, and overall economic performance,” she said.

Mr. Guinigundo said that the government can only regain investor trust if it ensures fair administration of justice and observes the rule of law, end impunity, and introduce real accountability for all public officials, while ensuring that fiscal policy remains solid.

“In short, restoring investor confidence requires more than aspirational reform rhetoric,” Mr. Guinigundo said in a separate commentary. “It demands measurable progress in governance, accountability, and fiscal responsibility. Without these, efforts to streamline regulations and promote investments will remain cosmetic — and business sentiment will continue to slump despite official assurances.” — Katherine K. Chan