January 12th, 2022
House Ways and Means Chair Joey Sarte Salceda (Albay, 2nd district) was praised by the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) for his role as principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11635, which clarified the tax regime for proprietary schools and helped ensure that they are able to benefit from tax relief under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises or CREATE Act.
“This piece of legislation will have a monumental impact and be felt by many generations of educators and school leaders,” the Council wrote Salceda.
The council also incited Salceda to a thanksgiving tribute so that the House tax panel chair can “receive your plaque of appreciation presented by COCOPEA and Private School Associations across the country.”
The council is hosting the tribute in honor of the law’s authors on January 20, 2022.
In earlier statements, the COCOPEA also thanked Salceda “for moving vigorously for the swift passage of the bill.”
The law will keep tax rates for proprietary schools at 10%, while also allowing them to benefit from the special tax rate of 1% under CREATE from July 2020 to June 2023.
Salceda called this “the biggest tax discount we have ever given to any sector in recent history.”
Salceda wants private schools to lower tuition, improve services
Meanwhile, the House tax chair also expressed his appreciation for the recognition.
“I appreciate the recognition of our hard work. Of course, credit also goes to BIR and DOF for working with us through this process,” Salceda said.
Salceda adds that “the COCOPEA can of course thank us better by keeping tuition fees affordable and ensuring access to quality education.”
“Private schools serve a unique purpose, especially missionary schools in areas where public education is not accessible. Private schools also play a key role in technical education,” Salceda said.
“With this measure, we hope they can employ more and better-paid teachers, keep tuition fees within reach, and invest in better facilities,” Salceda added. (end)