Philippine Cooperative Chamber Leads Call for Corruption-Free Society and Reforms in Cooperative Code
The Philippine Chamber of Cooperatives, Inc. (PH Coop Chamber) is urging Filipinos to work toward a corruption-free society, emphasizing the crucial role of cooperatives in driving national progress and good governance. This call comes as the country celebrates National Cooperative Month this October.
PH Coop Chamber is lobbying for revisions to Republic Act No. 9520, also known as the Cooperative Code of 2008. The group highlights how cooperatives help strengthen both local and national economies by generating jobs, providing livelihoods, and infusing capital into grassroots communities.
Chairperson Noel Raboy said corruption in government heavily affects the operation of cooperatives and the welfare of their members. “The PH Coop Chamber challenges the validity of revenue circulars before the Supreme Court, arguing that these issuances unlawfully restrict the tax exemption privileges granted to cooperatives under the Cooperative Code,” Raboy said.
This follows the National Taxation Forum held on October 9, 2025, in Quezon City, where more than 200 cooperative leaders raised concerns about the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s requirement for each cooperative member to have a Tax Identification Number (TIN) to secure a Certificate of Tax Exemption.
The Chamber called on the government to uphold the rights and privileges of cooperatives without adding unnecessary administrative burdens that lead to penalties and even closures. Raboy reminded that the Constitution upholds the autonomy and independence of cooperatives.
The issue on TIN requirements has been addressed in the proposed revisions under Senate Bill No. 1431, which aims to amend the Cooperative Code. The Chamber, part of the Technical Working Group in both chambers of Congress, awaits the House Committee’s next meeting to finalize the revisions.
The PH Coop Chamber vows to continue advocating for policies that protect cooperative values, preserve autonomy, and ensure fair treatment for all Filipino cooperators.
