“Tax is the lifeblood of the government—but it must also be the conscience of our democracy.” With this conviction, Mon Abrea concluded his graduation speech at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, where he completed the Executive Program on Tax Policy on July 25, 2025.
In a media release, Abrea shared highlights of his participation in the program, which brought together senior officials, economists, and tax experts from over 15 countries. Their work tackled complex policy issues, including revenue forecasting, transfer pricing, and the impact of US reciprocal tariffs on developing economies.
Abrea’s group presented a Philippine case study using GDP elasticity-based projections, seasonal regression forecasts, and micro-simulation modeling to assess reforms such as adjusting tax brackets and personal exemptions. He credited the experience with reinforcing the importance of cross-border collaboration.
“Let’s stop trying to outsmart each other, or our governments. Instead, let’s collaborate, not compete. Let’s close the gap between policies that look good on paper and those that truly serve our people, our economies, and our planet,” he said.
As chief tax advisor of the Asian Consulting Group (ACG) and founder of the TaxWhizPH platform, Abrea continues to advocate for simpler, fairer, and more transparent tax policies. With credentials from Harvard, Oxford, and now Duke, he plans to submit a five-point tax proposal to the 20th Congress of the Philippines, aimed at reducing compliance burdens and boosting inclusive growth.
His recommendations include:
- A 10% minimum tax for the self-employed and professionals
- A risk-based audit system to deter corruption
- Incentives for ESG-aligned investments
- Full automation—or abolition—of manual BIR systems
- Simplified rules to lower costs and attract FDI
“We don’t need to raise taxes to raise revenues,” Abrea said. “We need smarter policy and political will. Taxation should not just collect—it should correct.”
Abrea is also leading a global tax and investment roadshow in over 20 cities, engaging with embassies, investors, and Filipino communities to promote the Philippines as an ESG-ready investment hub.
His policy work and academic experiences are captured in a book series titled Reimagining the World. The first volume, Without Corruption, launched at Harvard in 2023. The second, Without Climate Change, will launch at Oxford this August, with a third, Without Poverty, set for 2026.
To close his speech, Abrea thanked his classmates—fellow public servants and economists from countries such as Kenya, India, Malaysia, Colombia, Lebanon, and the UK—with a message in their native languages. He underscored the broader mission behind tax reform.
“This is not just about tax—it’s about transformation,” he said. “Let’s continue to reimagine the world: a world without corruption, without climate change, and without poverty—through better, bolder, and more inclusive tax policies.”
As global challenges mount, Abrea believes that tax reform can be a powerful tool for justice, equity, and sustainable development—if paired with purpose and political will.
ACG is a Philippine-based tax advisory firm providing strategy, compliance, and policy services to corporations, foreign investors, and government institutions. For partnerships or inquiries, email: consult@acg.ph.
