Manila, July 1 -- Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero is pushing for a legislative package aimed at strengthening micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through tax incentives and expanded access to financing.

The proposals form part of Escudero's 10 priority bills for the 20th Congress, focusing on easing the financial burden of MSMEs, which he called the "backbone of the Philippine economy." MSMEs account for 67 percent of employment nationwide.

"These will allow our MSMEs, particularly those that are struggling financially, to continue their operations, hire more people, and even consider an expansion in the future," Escudero said Tuesday.

Among the key provisions of the bills is a three-year income tax exemption for MSME...