What is PEZA?

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The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) was established under Republic Act No. 7916, known as the Special Economic Zone Act of 1995. This legislation created PEZA to oversee the development and management of special economic zones(ecozones) across the Philippines, aiming to attract investments, generate employment, and stimulate economic growth.

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THE MILLS DIGEST

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In 2021, Republic Act No. 11534, also known as the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, introduced significant amendments to PEZA's operations. The CREATE Act overhauled the country's tax incentives system, affecting both PEZA-registered enterprises and those under other investment promotion agencies. Notably, the CREATE Act refined the process for granting incentives, including income tax holidays, and improved the overall ease of doing business within ecozones

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Additionally, Republic Act No. 11659, known as the CREATE‍MORE Act, further expands the incentives and provisions applicable to PEZA-registered enterprises, thereby providing increased opportunities for both local and foreign investors to capitalize on the advantages offered by ecozones. Enacted on March 26, 2022, the CREATE MORE Act emphasizes the provision of fiscal incentives, the simplification of procedures, and enhanced investment support, all in alignment with the government’s objective to establish more inclusive economic zones and encourage long-term business development in diverse regions

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Furthermore, in January 2025, the Bangsamoro Parliament introduced the Bangsamoro Economic Zone Act of 2025.This proposed legislation aims to establish the Bangsamoro Economic Zone Authority (BEZA), mirroring PEZA's functions, to oversee economic zones within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The act seeks to attract investments and create jobs in the region by offering various incentives to businesses operating within these zones.