The government needs to adopt a well-thought-out strategy and policy package in taxing the digital economy, according to the deputy commissioner of BIR’s legal group.
Gender and other related issues in platform work in the country are likely to remain, if not widen, due to the lack of policies and programs for skills development and social protection, according to researchers.
Jeremille Raton, a digital advocate and business development manager for a Chile-based technology and data science company, said the digital economy’s cross-border nature is crucial to its success.
While the Philippines has existing laws that are “friendly” to digital platforms, some restrictive policies and regulations still hinder their growth in the country, according to a tech lawyer.
DTI official Marie Sherylyn said “there is a need to get rid of bad regulations that could stifle competition and inhibit innovation” as the digital economy continues to flourish in the country.
The agility and ability of the government to provide interventions and policies are crucial for technology startup companies in the country to thrive amid the pandemic, according to QBO Innovation Hub and Ideaspace executive director Katrina Chan.
DICT director George Tardio said the government should implement mechanisms to support the upskilling of online and platform workers and institutionalize social protection mechanisms for them.
World Bank – Philippines senior economist Kevin Chua said the government should address issues and challenges in online work such as digital divide, the lack of digital infrastructure, and weak social protection schemes.
The “complex and multifaceted” nature of the digital economy creates tax issues, according to a study published by state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).
