SECTION 1. Short Title - This Act shall be cited as the "Tax Reform Act of 1997".

SEC. 2. State Policy. – It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote sustainable economic growth through the rationalization of the Philippine internal revenue tax system, including tax administration; to provide, as much as possible, an equitable relief to a greater number of taxpayers in order to improve levels of disposable income and increase economic activity; and to create a robust environment for business to enable firms to compete better in the regional as well as the global market, at the same time that the State ensures that Government is able to provide for the needs of those under its jurisdiction and care.

SEC. 3. Presidential Decree No. 1158, as amended by, among others, Presidential Decree No. 1994 and Executive Order No. 273, otherwise known as the National Internal Revenue Code, is hereby further amended.