Senate bill would exempt donated vaccines from taxes

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate’s finance chair has filed a bill exempting donations of COVID-19 vaccines and other essential pandemic response commodities from tax in a bid to raise the supply of the jabs for the people.

Under Senate Bill No. 2046, Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara proposed waiving the donor’s tax for any donation of drugs, vaccines and other medical supplies specifically prescribed and directly used for the treatment of COVID-19.

The bill also exempts donations of capital equipment, spare parts and raw materials needed for the production of personal protective equipment components such as coveralls, gowns, surgical masks, goggles and face shields.

The exemptions will be in effect from Jan. 1, 2021, to Dec. 31, 2023, according to the bill.

—DJ Yap