Released Date - January 26, 2010 PALAU – TAX INCENTIVES: M/VARIETY                   PACNEWS BIZ: Tues 26 Jan 2010   Palau House of delegates approves tax incentives for employers training Palauans   26 JANUARY 2010 KOROR ( MARIANAS VARIETY/ PALAU HORIZON) ---- Palau’s House of Delegates (HOD) has approved the House Bill establishing tax incentives to employers and businesses in Palau to provide educational and training opportunities to Palauan citizens they employ.   Under the bill, the entire cost of such a training can be deducted from the employer’s gross revenue before the tax assessment under the current law and not to exceed $500 per eligible employee per quarter.   A statement from the House said that when this bill becomes law, many Palauan employees will be provided with opportunities to “improve their skills and advance their careers to benefit themselves and their employers.”   The statement added that tax incentives that will lead to the advancement in employment opportunities and productivity in business is good for the economy.   The bill has been sent to the Senate for consideration and action.   In the same regular session, the House also passed on third and final reading the House Bill that seeks to encourage and protect employees of the national and state governments who expose illegal activities, fraud, mismanagement, abuse of power and waste in government by public officials.   The “whistle blower” Act seeks to protect them from retaliation or adverse disciplinary action for disclosing or exposing wrongdoings by public officials and supervisors including directors, chiefs and other elected or appointed officials.   The bill has also been transmitted to the Senate.   The HOD also re-passed the measure that aims to stop the Palau Election Commission from establishing polling places outside Palau.   The measure will amend the existing law to conform with the 18th constitutional amendment Palauan voters approved during the 2008 general elections.   The bill was adopted earlier by the OEK but was sent back from the President’s office to the lawmakers for revisions. …PNS (ENDS)