Ex-VP Binay: Gov’t can give tax breaks to firms with 100% immunized workforce

Former Vice President Jejomar Binay. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / LYN RILLON

MANILA, Philippines — The government can consider giving tax breaks to businesses that will be able to immunize all its workforce, former Vice President Jejomar Binay said Friday.

In a series of tweets, Binay said that while the inclusion of economic frontliners in the vaccination priority is commendable, there is still a shortage of vaccines in the country.

“This is frustrating news for businessmen and workers. But there is a solution: Let’s tap the private sector. Allow them to buy more vaccines for their employees.  Let them vaccinate their people for free,” Binay said.

“Government can consider giving them tax breaks if they achieve 100% workforce immunization. And workers could be allowed to go on paid leaves to get vaccinated,” he added.

Government can consider giving them tax breaks if they achieve 100% workforce immunization. And workers could be allowed to go on paid leaves to get vaccinated. (3/4)

— Jejomar C. Binay (@JojoCBinay) May 21, 2021

Moreover, Binay said an information drive is needed to overcome vaccine hesitancy, adding that the government “should also find ways to incentivize vaccination.”

“It should look at all available means to achieve one goal: vaccinate as many workers in the fastest way possible,” Binay said.

An information drive is needed to overcome vaccine hesistancy. Government should also find ways to incentivize vaccination. It should look at all available means to achieve one goal: vaccinate as many workers in the fastest way possible. (4/4)

— Jejomar C. Binay (@JojoCBinay) May 21, 2021

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier allowed private firms in the country to import COVID-19 vaccines for their employees.

JPV