Miriam files bill giving firms tax break for hiring ex-prisoners

To help former prisoners integrate back into mainstream society, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago has filed a bill giving hiring companies additional tax deductions. Senate Bill 2424 or the Former Prisoners Employment Act says that business establishments that will employ former prisoners shall be entitled to an additional deduction in gross income tax, equivalent to 15 percent of the salaries and wages received by the former prisoners. "Most, if not all employers, are reluctant to hire former prisoners, because of their criminal past. This makes it difficult for former prisoners to reform and reintegrate into the society," Santiago said in the bill. SB 2424 defines former prisoners as those convicted by final judgment and have been released on probation, parole, pardon, or after having served their sentences. Aside from giving companies the tax incentive, the measure seeks to establish the Committee on Employment Opportunities for Former Prisoners under the Department of Justice. The bill says the committee shall have an initial allocation of P100 million and will be tasked to draft provisions for the training and employment of former prisoners. The committee shall be headed by a chairman and vice chairman, both appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the justice secretary. SB 2424 was originally filed by Sen. Aquilino Pimentel Jr. during the 14th Congress. — VS, GMANews.TV