Partylist aspirant Kaunlad Pinoy — listed number 133 on the ballot — is campaigning on a platform to uplift small entrepreneurs, especially those in the informal sector, with a proposed tax holiday for first-time business owners and a Magna Carta for Informal Businesses.
Kuya Choi, the group’s lead nominee and a longtime entrepreneur and community organizer, said the group aims to “legislate real change” for Filipinos starting or growing businesses.
A key proposal is a tax holiday for first-time entrepreneurs, allowing newly registered small businesses to operate tax-free during their initial phase. This would apply to those from the informal sector or those starting a business for the first time.
“There are thousands of Filipinos who want to register their businesses but are intimidated by red tape and the burden of taxes,” Kuya Choi said. “Instead of punishing them for taking the leap, let’s support them.”
Kaunlad Pinoy is also advocating for a Magna Carta for Informal Businesses, which would formally recognize and support informal economic actors such as street vendors, sari-sari store owners, market stall operators and online sellers.
“Informal businesses are often seen as invisible in the eyes of the law,” Kuya Choi said. “But they make up a huge part of our economy. They deserve protection, training, and access to microloans like everyone else.”
The proposed Magna Carta aims to simplify business registration, reduce documentary and fee requirements, provide access to training and capital, and create a pathway for informal businesses to transition into the formal economy.
It would also mandate local government units to create safe vending zones, allow flexible licensing for itinerant vendors, and streamline business permit applications for low-risk, low-revenue enterprises.
Kaunlad Pinoy, originally a non-profit focused on relief and financial literacy during the pandemic, is now seeking legislative change.
“Relief goods will run out. Workshops can only do so much,” Kuya Choi said. “But a tax holiday? A Magna Carta? Those are laws that can protect and empower Filipinos for generations.”
With nearly half a million members nationwide, Kaunlad Pinoy is relying on grassroots support to gain congressional seats. Its nominees include community leaders, cooperatives and small business mentors from across the Philippines.