The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is throwing its weight behind a key tax reform under the CREATE MORE law, calling the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s Registered Business Enterprises Taxpayer Service (RBETS) a “critical administrative reform” for investors.
In a policy paper reviewing Republic Act 12066—signed on November 11, 2024—PCCI said RBETS directly addresses one of the biggest investor complaints: navigating multiple tax offices and inconsistent interpretations of incentive rules.
“A centralized and specialized tax service for RBEs reduces compliance friction, shortens resolution time for issues, and gives enterprises clearer guidance on how to properly avail of incentives,” the paper noted, describing the system as aligned with global best practices in investor aftercare.
RBETS functions as a one-stop unit within the BIR dedicated to firms registered with investment promotion agencies such as the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, Board of Investments, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, and Clark Development Corp.
With trained revenue officers and express counters embedded in major Revenue District Offices and the Large Taxpayers Service, the setup is designed to streamline filings, certifications, and incentive-related transactions.
The shift could mean fewer bureaucratic detours for businesses. PCCI emphasized that the structure enables firms to “focus resources on operations and expansion rather than administrative back-and-forth.”
The group also tied RBETS to CREATE MORE’s upgraded incentive framework, including expanded VAT zero-rating on project-related goods and services, a simplified local tax generally capped at 2% of gross income, and a reduced 20% corporate income tax under the Enhanced Deductions Regime.
Although incentives may attract investors, but efficient tax administration keeps them. By centralizing expertise and clarifying rules, RBETS strengthens both compliance and the Philippines’ credibility as a competitive investment destination.
