PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte appealed Monday to the Senate to immediately pass its own version of the tax reform package bill that seeks to lessen the burden of the taxpayers.
During his second State of the Nation Address, the President lauded the House of Representatives for heeding to his call to certify the tax reform measure as urgent.
"I commend the House of Representatives for heeding my urgent certification for the tax reform by passing the first of the five packages of the Comprehensive Tax Reform program, with an overwhelming 26 votes, representing almost nine percent of the Filipino people," he said.
The President then diverted his attention to senators, pleading them to fully back his tax reform proposal, which he said would benefit the “poor and vulnerable” sectors.
“The faith of the tax reform is now in the hands of the Senate. What do you want me to do? Kneel down to you? I live it up to you. We’re all Filipinos. If you think it’s a waste, fine. If you think it’s not good, it’s okay with me, I can survive,” Duterte said.
“I call on the Senate to support my tax reform in full and pass it without haste… The poor and vulnerable are at the heart of my tax reform. Your support would ensure that the benefits of tax reform can be felt immediately by them,” he added.
On May 29, Duterte certified House Bill (HB) 5636 or the proposed Tax Reform for Acceleration Inclusion Act as urgent, citing its “necessity.” The Constitution permits the President to certify bills as urgent in two instances – in case of public necessity and during a public calamity.
In his May 29 letter addressed to Congress, Duterte said the “immediate” enactment of tax reform measure will achieve a “simpler, more equitable, and more efficient tax system.”
Under HB 5626, tax payers earning an annual income of less than P250,000 will be exempt from paying personal income tax, if the measure is passed into law. Individuals earning between P250,000 to P400,000 annually will pay the lowest rate of 20 percent while those earning over P5 million will be taxed at 35 percent.
The bill also seeks to expand the value-added tax base, adjust the excise taxes on oil products and automobiles, impose an excise tax on sugar sweetened beverages, and ease the rates of estate and donor’s taxes.
The tax reform was approved at the House of Representatives but it was however not passed by the Senate when it adjourned the session in June. (VoxPop Philippines)
