The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is now considered independent, autonomous and auxiliary to the government engaged in humanitarian activities based on Republic Act No. 10072.

The President signed RA 10072, or the Philippine Red Cross Act of 2010, that strengthens the nongovernmental organization’s ability to provide humanitarian relief and aid to Filipinos affected by natural disasters, armed conflicts, and other emergencies.

The measure, a consolidation of House Bill 6509 and Senate Bill 3285, amends certain provisions of the group’s charter to highlight the country’s resolve to its obligations set in the Geneva Convention.

Among the salient provisions of RA 10072 is the exemption of Red Cross from the payment of real property taxes on all its real properties.

The independent Red Cross shall also be excused from paying direct and indirect income taxes including value-added tax on all income derived from its operations. Such exemption will extend to its importations and purchases for its exclusive use. The law stated that donor’s tax shall also be deducted from the gross income of donors for income tax purposes.