SENATOR PUSHES TAX INCENTIVES FOR EMPLOYERS WHO HIRE FRESH PROVINCIAL GRADUATES
/ 20 February 2026
SENATOR JV Ejercito is advocating a measure that grants tax incentives to employers who hire fresh graduates from provincial colleges, universities, and training centers.
Under Senate Bill 1738, also known as the Fresh Graduates Incentives Act, Ejercito said education remains a critical tool for lifting families out of poverty.
“Graduation, no matter how gratifying, does not instantly improve the economic wellbeing of a family. A diploma gives a graduate a fighting chance in a competitive job market but does not automatically change one’s life,” he explained.
In the Philippines, competition is essential for business sustainability. However, fresh provincial graduates often struggle to secure employment as companies prefer experienced workers.
The proposed measure aims to address this imbalance by granting employers a 10% deduction from taxable income based on the starting gross salary of hired fresh graduates.
“This bill not only encourages inclusivity in employment but also invests in the potential of our youth,” Ejercito added.
