President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. on Monday called on Congress to expand income tax exemptions and pass broader tax relief measures, saying these would help sustain middle-class growth and ease the burden on workers and small businesses during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Marcos said the government would pursue policies that promote growth, generate revenue and advance equity toward socioeconomic sustainability, while addressing lingering economic pressures.

The president proposed raising the income threshold for tax exemption to include workers earning up to 350,000 pesos annually.

“Palawakin natin ang exemption sa income tax. Dagdagan natin ang mga manggagawang malilibre sa buwis sa kanilang kita,” Marcos said.

He added that income tax rates for other workers should also be reduced to provide additional relief.

Marcos also proposed scrapping the minimum corporate income tax for small businesses, a move aimed at supporting enterprises still recovering from economic challenges.

In addition, the president called for a tax amnesty covering unpaid obligations, including income tax, estate tax, donor’s tax and value-added tax, along with corresponding penalties.

He said the proposed measures are intended to give Filipinos “some relief” and allow them to better benefit from their earnings, while encouraging compliance and boosting economic activity.

The proposals will require legislative approval from Congress.