The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is pushing for wider adoption of the Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) as an employee benefit to help Filipinos build long-term financial security, during the “PERA@Work” forum held at BSP Manila on July 8, 2026.
Established under the 2008 PERA Act, this voluntary savings scheme complements mandatory SSS and GSIS benefits. Local employees may contribute up to ₱200,000 yearly, while overseas Filipinos can add up to ₱400,000 annually, with tax-free earnings and withdrawals for those aged 55 and above.
Under the 2025 Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act, employers contributing to staff PERA accounts now enjoy a 150 percent tax deduction – up from the previous 100 percent – lowering the cost of providing this benefit.
BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. noted broader economic gains from wider PERA uptake, while other officials and leaders from the Department of Finance, Department of Labor and Employment, and industry partners emphasized shared responsibility for retirement security. The event gathered over 350 business leaders, HR executives and policymakers to discuss integrating PERA into workplace wellness programs.
