According to a Department of Finance (DOF) press release dated Monday (December 22), Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go has expressed full support for the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) initiative to simplify the application process for tax exemptions covering affordable housing projects.

The proposed Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC), involving the Department of Finance, the Bureau of Internal Revenue, and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, is designed to ensure efficiency and consistency in the fiscal and tax-related aspects of housing development.

By reducing bureaucratic friction and improving predictability in tax incentives, the memo aims to encourage more developers to invest in socialized and economic housing; developers are critical to addressing the country’s housing backlog.

“I fully support the BIR in this effort, as it is my commitment to enhance the ease of doing business for our partners in development. This way, we can provide more affordable homes for low-income Filipino families,” Secretary Go said.

Central to the proposed reforms is the introduction of the One-Stop Shop Processing Center (eHOPC) platform, which will automatically generate the required documents for tax exemption applications.

The digital platform is expected to shorten processing times, reduce duplication across agencies, and lower compliance costs. These are key concerns often cited by developers as barriers to entering the socialized housing sector.

Under the JMC, applicants seeking a Certificate of Tax Exemption (CTE) will be required to submit a Socialized Housing Certification issued by the DHSUD, ensuring that tax incentives are directed exclusively to qualified projects.

To further streamline approvals, the BIR Deputy Commissioner for the Legal Group will be authorized to sign tax rulings and CTEs, eliminating additional layers of review.

The initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to improve bureaucratic efficiency and strengthen the ease of doing business, particularly in sectors with strong social impact.

Finance officials said the proposed memo reflects a broader policy push to use administrative reform, rather than new subsidies alone, to make affordable housing development more attractive, faster to implement, and financially sustainable.

According to a DTI news release, the 13 newly approved projects span priority sectors, led by IT-BPM service exports, mass housing, renewable energy, and food manufacturing—sectors seen as key drivers of employment, energy security, and inclusive growth.

More than 2,300 of the projected jobs will come from newly registered IT-BPM service export operations, which will establish additional service delivery centers in major urban areas in Luzon. These centers will support global HR solutions, remote staffing, and business process services, reinforcing the Philippines’ position as a regional hub for global services.

The ManCom also approved mass housing projects worth nearly ₱1.8 billion, aimed at expanding the supply of affordable homes for Filipino families. These developments are expected to generate close to 200 jobs in construction and related industries.

Renewable energy investments make up the largest share of approved capital, with over ₱23 billion committed to large-scale solar and wind projects that will add more than 320 megawatts of new generation capacity. These projects align with the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 and the government’s push for a cleaner, more secure energy mix.

Also included is a food manufacturing expansion that will boost local agro-processing and create additional jobs in production and logistics.

Roque said the faster pace of approvals follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to accelerate investments that translate directly into jobs and economic activity.

“Our work at the DTI-BOI ensures that investments deliver concrete benefits—new service centers, affordable homes, clean energy, and expanded manufacturing. Each project creates jobs, opens opportunities, and strengthens the economy, demonstrating that growth can be inclusive and sustainable,” Secretary Roque said.

She clarified that the ManCom approvals do not yet include several previously announced big-ticket investments, which remain under evaluation and due diligence. Once endorsed by the BOI Board, these projects are expected to further boost the country’s investment pipeline.

The newly endorsed projects will still undergo confirmation by the BOI Board, as the DTI-BOI continues to fast-track investments in priority sectors aligned with the country’s long-term development goals.