On July 1, 2025 , Senator Win Gatchalian held a press conference addressing some of the most pressing issues in the Philippines today. From education reform to tax policy and online gambling regulation, the senator laid out his vision and legislative priorities aimed at improving the lives of Filipino citizens.
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🎓 Three-Year College Education Proposal
One of the major topics discussed was Senator Gatchalian's push for a three-year college education system , reducing the current four-year norm. He emphasized that this proposal aligns with global standards observed in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The senator pointed out that only Singapore follows a similar K-12 structure as the Philippines, but with its own unique junior college system.
The goal is not just to shorten the duration but to ensure quality education by streamlining general education subjects and focusing more on professional courses. This reform aims to reduce the financial burden on students while maintaining academic rigor.
💰 Tax Reform Initiatives
Senator Gatchalian also reiterated his proposed amendments to the country’s tax code , particularly regarding income tax exemptions. Under the current system, individuals earning up to ₱250,000 annually are exempt from income tax. His bill seeks to raise this threshold to ₱400,000 per year , providing relief to middle-income earners.
Key highlights of the tax reform include:
- Exemption of bonuses worth up to ₱150,000 from income tax.
- Exemption of service charges, overtime pay, holiday pay, and hazard pay for minimum wage earners.
- Broadening the exemption to cover additional benefits such as differential pay.
This reform is intended to boost disposable income and support workers, especially those affected by inflation over the past decade.
🚫 Regulation of Online Gambling
Another critical issue addressed was the need for stricter regulation of online gambling . Senator Gatchalian filed a bill proposing several key provisions:
- Age restrictions : Only individuals aged 18 to 21 and above will be allowed to participate.
- Minimum betting limits : A minimum bet of ₱10,000 and a top-up limit of ₱5,000.
- Advertising bans : Prohibition of online gambling ads near schools, churches, and government offices.
- Payment system controls : Restrictions on linking payment platforms like GCash to gambling websites.
- Anti-underground measures : Preventing unregulated or illegal gambling operations that operate without proper licensing.
Gatchalian acknowledged concerns about the potential rise of underground gambling if strict regulations are imposed, but he stressed that legal oversight is necessary to protect vulnerable groups, especially the youth.
🚭 Vape Regulation
In line with protecting minors, the senator also touched on ongoing efforts to regulate vaping products. These include:
- Banning advertising of e-cigarettes.
- Restricting influencers from promoting vaping to young audiences.
- Addressing health risks associated with freebase nicotine found in many vape products.
He cited studies showing the increasing popularity of vaping among teenagers and the dangers it poses due to high nicotine content and potential for addiction.
⚖️ Impeachment Trial and Transparency
When asked about the ongoing impeachment proceedings, Senator Gatchalian emphasized the importance of due process and transparency . He stated that the trial should proceed with arguments and presentations from both prosecution and defense before any decision is made. While he refrained from giving specific details on his personal stance, he affirmed the need for openness in the judicial process.
🏛️ Oversight on Education
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Education, Gatchalian reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing the Philippine education system. He is pushing for the creation of a Cabinet-level education cluster to coordinate oversight between DepEd (Department of Education), TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority), and CHED (Commission on Higher Education).
This initiative aims to eliminate redundancy, streamline implementation of reforms, and ensure that recommendations from the legislature are effectively carried out by the executive branch.
🔚 Conclusion
Senator Win Gatchalian’s press conference highlighted his continued advocacy for affordable, accessible, and quality education , fair taxation , and responsible digital entertainment through regulated online gambling and vaping policies. As the legislative session progresses, these proposals will likely shape national discourse and policy direction in the months ahead.
Stay tuned for updates on how these bills progress through Congress and what they could mean for Filipinos across all sectors.
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